Romano reveals Barcelona decision on late Julian Alvarez move after Arsenal transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona are not planning to bid for Julian Alvarez in the final hours of deadline day after signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Barca were in the market for a new centre-forward after Robert Lewandowski joined MLS outfit Chicago Fire on a free transfer. They have been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid ace Alvarez all summer, but it is Jesus who has instead been announced on deadline day.

The Brazilian has signed a three-year contract at the Camp Nou, moving in a €10million (£8.5m) deal.

Confirming Jesus’ exit, Arsenal wrote in a club statement: ‘Gabby leaves us with an outstanding wealth of Premier League experience and a proven record of success at the highest level of English football. Across spells with Arsenal and Manchester City, he made over 200 Premier League appearances, scoring more than 70 goals and contributing to five title-winning campaigns…

‘We thank Gabby for his contribution to the club during his four years with us and wish him and his family every happiness and success for the future.’

Romano wrote on X: ‘Barcelona currently consider their market closed in terms of incomings – following the arrival of Gabriel Jesus.’

Barca fans will have been hoping for the club to make a late play for Alvarez.

The Argentine is a player capable of replacing Lewandowski’s goals, whereas Jesus is not at the same level.

Plus, Alvarez confirmed at the World Cup that he wants to leave Atleti, with Barca understood to be his dream destination.

Barca president Joan Laporta confirmed last week that his €100m (£86m) offer for Alvarez remains valid.

However, Barca have decided against moving for Alvarez before the 10pm deadline for Spanish clubs.

Atleti’s firm stance has clearly worked, with Laporta and Barca cooling on a potential deal.

Atleti ‘outraged’ by Barca interest in Julian Alvarez

On Thursday, Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said: “The truth is that it outrages ⁠us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and ​we can only insist that we will not ‌negotiate with Barcelona under any ‌circumstances.

“I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and ‌the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. You have my word – the player [Alvarez] will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

Arsenal are also interested in Alvarez, but Spanish journalist Alex Silvestre has said: “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.”

Silvestre added:”It’s almost 100% certain that he won’t leave Atletico de Madrid.”

Plus, Arsenal know that if Alvarez were to move, then he would prefer to go to Barca.