Player chooses Barcelona over Arsenal as his next club

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Just Arsenal News

·19 February 2026

Player chooses Barcelona over Arsenal as his next club

Arsenal have reportedly suffered a setback in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. The forward has been a target for the Gunners as they look to further strengthen their squad ahead of the summer transfer window. His quality and experience make him an attractive option for a team aiming to maintain its momentum across multiple competitions.

The club are reportedly willing to spend up to 100 million euros to secure Alvarez’s signature. The Argentinian has already proven himself both in England and on the international stage, and his winning mentality could provide a boost to a squad that currently lacks players with extensive trophy-winning experience. While Arsenal have bolstered their squad in recent windows, the addition of a player of Alvarez’s pedigree would represent a significant step forward.

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Player’s Preference Creates Challenge

However, Arsenal may face a major obstacle in persuading Alvarez to join. As cited by Shoot, the forward does not favour a return to England and is reportedly inclined to move to Barcelona instead. This presents a clear challenge for the Gunners, as a player’s personal preference is often decisive in high-profile transfers. Convincing him to change his mind could prove difficult, even with a substantial financial offer.

(Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Barcelona in Favourable Position

According to the same report, unless Barcelona decide against pursuing him, Alvarez is expected to choose the Catalan club as his next destination. For Arsenal, this could necessitate a reassessment of their summer strategy and alternative targets if they are unable to persuade him to reconsider a move back to the Premier League. The situation highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market and the importance of aligning club ambitions with player intentions.

The coming months will be crucial for Arsenal as they attempt to navigate these challenges and ensure they continue strengthening their squad effectively. Securing top-quality additions remains a priority, but player preferences and competition from other clubs will play a major role in determining the outcome of this potential transfer.

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