Arsenal’s chances of signing Barcelona top target this summer rising – report | OneFootball

Barcelona may have been trying to sign Julian Alvarez since the start of the summer transfer window but it looks increasingly likely that the Catalans won’t get him.

Atletico Madrid have been stubborn in their stance that they won’t sell Alvarez to Barca right from the beginning.

They have doubled down on that stance in recent days, revealing that Alvarez can leave if he wants to but at no cost to Barca.

Now, according to ESPN Argentina (h/t Albiceleste Talk), the possibility of Alvarez moving to Arsenal before the summer transfer window closes is consistently increasing.

Arsenal look like the likely destination

Barcelona have made Alvarez their clear first choice for the No. 9 position, with Hansi Flick and Deco firmly behind an operation to bring the Argentine to the Camp Nou.

Alvarez’s preference for Barcelona has also been one of the strongest factors working in the Catalans’ favour throughout the saga.

Alvarez is unhappy at Atletico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, there is not much the Catalans can do about Atletico’s decision to not sell to them.

With the Madrid club unwilling to facilitate a transfer to Barca, Arsenal have remained an alternative destination should Alvarez should he open the door.

With no other option on the horizon, the 26-year-old may be considering the idea to move to the Emirates.

Pressure increasing as deadline approaches

Barcelona do not have unlimited time to convince Atletico to change their position, while Alvarez himself must decide how far he is prepared to push for his desired move.

Arsenal can offer an escape route if the situation between the striker and Atletico becomes impossible to repair.

From Barca’s perspective, that makes the final days particularly dangerous. The Catalans may have the player’s preference, but that advantage only matters if Atletico eventually open the door to negotiations.

If they do not, Alvarez could be forced to choose between remaining in Madrid or reconsidering Arsenal.

Arsenal-bound? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Barcelona do not have much left that they can do

For Barcelona, its all about playing the wait game.

Having spoken as much as Atletico have to the media and taken swiped at Barca, it would be a huge surprise if Gil Marin has a sudden change of heart.

He has very clearly stated that Alvarez will not be sold to the Catalan club for as long as he is in charge at Los Colchoneros.

Barcelona meanwhile have shown in their first two La Liga games that their attack is still very devastating even in the absence of a natural striker.

Raphinha has taken to the striker position like a fish to water and Hansi Flick could trust the Brazilian in that role this season.

As things stand, it looks unlikely that Alvarez will wear Blaugrana this season and it remains to be seen if he gives his green light on a move to Arsenal.