Barcelona target Julian Alvarez says ‘no’ to Arsenal ahead of transfer deadline | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez has rejected the possibility of joining Arsenal, dealing another blow to his chances of leaving Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day and keeping his long-term Barcelona dream alive.

According to El Chiringuito TV, Arsenal’s sporting management has indicated that there is no possibility of the Argentina international moving to the Emirates this summer.

As put by Alex Silvestre, “We met with Arsenal’s sporting management to see if there was even the slightest possibility of him ending up at Arsenal, and they told us no.”

He added, “It’s almost 100% certain that he won’t leave Atletico de Madrid.”

The development effectively removes the Premier League route that could have given Alvarez a way out of Madrid, with Atletico having remained unwilling to negotiate with Barcelona.

Alvarez still wants Barcelona move

Alvarez’s future has been a major talking point since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the forward wanting a change of scenery and Barcelona emerging as his preferred destination.

Julian Alvarez has said no to Arsenal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The problem for the Catalan club has been Atletico’s position.

While the Madrid side has been reluctant to engage with Barcelona over a potential transfer, they were understood to be more receptive to offers from Premier League clubs. 

Arsenal had therefore emerged as one of the potential routes for Alvarez to leave, although that possibility now appears to have disappeared.

Barcelona have already accepted that signing the Argentine this summer is beyond their reach, but that has not ended their interest in the striker.

Barcelona refuse to abandon Alvarez plan

Rather than closing the door on Alvarez, Barcelona have communicated that they intend to continue monitoring the situation in future transfer windows.

That could become important if the player’s desire to move to Catalonia remains unchanged.

Barcelona have not given up on Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alvarez is believed to dream of playing for Barcelona, while the club continues to view him as a long-term target. 

The two positions could therefore keep the possibility of a future transfer alive even after the summer window closes.

For now, Barcelona have addressed their immediate need for a No.9 by signing Gabriel Jesus, but his arrival does not remove Alvarez from the equation.

January or next summer could change everything

For now, Alvarez looks set to remain at Atletico, with Arsenal no longer presenting a realistic escape route and Barcelona unable to complete the deal this summer.

That does not necessarily mean the story is over.

If Alvarez maintains his desire to join Barcelona and the Catalan club retain their interest, another opportunity could emerge when the market reopens in January or next summer.