Barcelona top target softens stance on potential Arsenal transfer – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have been trying to sign Julian Alvarez since the start of the summer transfer window, but Atletico Madrid have maintained a stubborn stance.

The Argentine has been involved in one of the most difficult transfer sagas of the summer, and it is reflecting on his persona during games.

Barça had identified the 26-year-old as their marquee striker signing this summer, but Atletico have simply refused to negotiate with them.

One other club who have been interested in Alvarez are Arsenal, and according to Sami Mokbel on BBC Sport, there has been a slight softening in stance from the player’s end.

So far, Alvarez has been clear that his priority is a move to the Spotify Camp Nou, but with that unlikely to happen, the Emirates has emerged as an alternative destination.

Barcelona remain Alvarez’s dream

The most important detail from a Barça perspective is that Alvarez’s preference has not changed.

Ready to consider Arsenal move? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old still dreams of a move to the Camp Nou, but should it come to it in the end, a move to Arsenal could be a realistic solution.

Barcelona, on their part, have been willing to make the transfer happen since the start of the summer, but neither the player nor the Catalans can control the situation.

Atletico’s resolute stance and Alvarez’s stand-off have made the situation increasingly uncomfortable for everyone involved.

Alvarez was heavily booed during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Villarreal and disappeared straight into the tunnel after full-time.

Arsenal wait for their opportunity

Arsenal have consequently remained in the background throughout the summer, knowing that convincing Alvarez would be impossible for as long as he believed Barcelona remained achievable.

That may now be changing slightly. Atletico director Mateu Alemany met Arsenal representatives in London last week, with the Spanish club communicating that they would demand around €150 million for Alvarez.

What next for Julian? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Arsenal believe they could go ahead with the operation and move quickly if the striker gives them the green light.

Mikel Arteta is also understood to accept that Alvarez would be choosing Arsenal only because his Barça move has been blocked.

Barça face a difficult final call

From Barcelona’s perspective, Alvarez softening his position towards Arsenal increases the pressure.

The club still want him, and he still wants the Blaugrana. Yet neither of those things matters much if Atletico simply refuse to open the door.

There is still time for the situation to change before 1 September, but Alvarez is approaching a major decision.

He can continue waiting for Atletico to reconsider their position on Barcelona, remain in Madrid and attempt to repair a damaged relationship, or finally accept that Arsenal represent his realistic escape route this summer.

Should he make the move to the Emirates, though, that would close the Barça door for the foreseeable future, and that is something Alvarez needs to think through.

The Catalans are still hoping against hope that Atletico somehow soften their stance and sell the striker to them, and it remains to be seen where Alvarez continues playing his football this season.