Arsenal take pole position in race for Barcelona target after failed Real Madrid bid | OneFootball

Real Madrid are the second side to have a bid for Julian Alvarez rejected by Atletico Madrid this summer, after confirming publicly that they had seen a €150m bid turned down by Los Rojiblancos. Yet it does not leave Barcelona in pole position for Alvarez.

The 26-year-old Argentine international has reportedly told Atletico Madrid that he would like to join Barcelona privately, but Los Colchoneros not only rejected the Catalans’ €100m bid, but also did so with public derision. Similar followed when Real Madrid submitted a €150m bid on Thursday, with Atletico unwilling to negotiate with either and instead demanding his €500m release clause.

Arsenal move into pole position for Julian Alvarez signature

Two other teams have also been linked to Alvarez over the past couple of months: Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The French champions seemingly ended their interest in Alvarez after being unconvinced that he was keen to join them. Diario AS say that Arsenal are currently the only realistic option for Alvarez this summer.

They say that Barcelona do not intend to raise their bid, and Real Madrid have no intention of making a second, with some doubt over whether they ever truly wanted to sign Alvarez. Arsenal are interested, and still have the finances, making the Gunners clear favourites.

Barcelona remain in the race

Nevertheless, Matteo Moretto has painted a different picture on RadioMarca. He notes that Barcelona remain Alvarez’s preferred destination, and that Atletico are aware of this. Doubt is cast over whether Barcelona can pull off such an expensive deal, but his belief is that if they submit a bid in excess of the €120m they paid for Antoine Griezmann, it is possible Atletico would consider the move.