Atletico 'want Julian Alvarez to join Arsenal' as transfer decision made | OneFootball

Argentine striker remains desperate to leave but move to Barcelona has been ruled out

Atletico Madrid reportedly prefer Julian Alvarez to join Arsenal rather than Barcelona as the summer transfer window approaches it's conclusion.

The Gunners have long been admirers of the Argentine, with the club seriously considering a move last summer before deciding to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

And it could be Gyokeres who holds the key to Alvarez moving to the Emirates Stadium, if reports are to be believed.

Atletico remain determined to keep hold of Alvarez this summer in the face of stiff pressure from Barcelona.

Both Atletico head coach, Diego Simeone, and chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil, have publicly insisted this summer that Alvarez is staying put.

"If the club owner has spoken so categorically, then there’s nothing more to say," Simeone told reporters on Tuesday.

But, with Alvarez "not being in the right condition to play" amid ongoing speculation over his future, Atletico have reportedly decided that a move to Arsenal would be far more palatable than to La Liga rivals Barcelona.

That is according to The Guardian, who report that it could hand Arsenal an important advantage as Arteta reportedly continues his efforts to convince Alvarez to move to north London.

It was reportedly earlier this week that Arteta has personally contacted Alvarez regarding a summer switch to the Emirates, in an attempt to convince him that a move would be the right next step in his career.

Alvarez remains keen on leaving Atletico, but his preferred destination is Barcelona but the Catalan side are said to have turned attentions to Gunners hitman Gyokeres.

El Chiringuito claimed last week that Barcelona were plotting a move for the Swedish star after admitting defeat in their pursuit of Alvarez.

It remains to be seen if there is any truth in reports linking Gyokeres with Barcelona, while Standard Sport understands that Arsenal are not currently pursuing a deal for Alvarez in light of Atletico's stance.