Barcelona target running out of options as PSG, Arsenal move away | OneFootball

Barcelona’s dream of signing Julian Alvarez grows increasingly impossible with every passing day, for Atletico Madrid continue to hold out a firm stance that they will not negotiate.

Los Rojiblancos do not wish to sell the Argentine star this summer, and even if pressed to, will not sell to a direct rival in La Liga at any cost.

The player has already spoken out about his desire to leave Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, but the Spanish side are only open to selling him to clubs overseas. Arsenal and PSG are the only two interested candidates on that front.

As relayed by Mundo Deportivo now, Alvarez is running out of time as he must report back to his club in just over a week. Meanwhile, his backup plans are fading away as well.

PSG are unlikely to push

Indeed, as confirmed by the Spanish outlet, PSG are advancing to sign Barcelona’s Ferran Torres this summer and have him as a higher priority. If they do rope in the Catalan star, they will no longer pursue Alvarez.

PSG are plotting a move for Ferran Torres. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Further, PSG withdrew from the race long ago, immediately after being rejected by the player in the early days of his transfer saga.

At the time, the striker told PSG he was not interested in joining them and that he would rather stay at his current club than push for a move to Luis Enrique’s side.

Arsenal likely to withdraw

Arsenal have been looking for a quality attacking reinforcement this summer, and Alvarez was one they had on their radar from the beginning.

Arsenal are planning a swoop for Vinicius. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

In recent days, however, they have entered the race for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. While the deal is still far from being completed, they will disappear from the negotiating table if they do pull off the unthinkable saga.

After all, they will not have the required financial leeway to sign Alvarez after Vinicius should the transfer unfold. They did attempt a player-plus-cash deal involving Viktor Gyokeres, but Mikel Arteta has now confirmed that the Swedish star is in his plans.

In that sense, Alvarez must act fast as he has neither time nor options on his side. Barcelona remain one of the only viable options, and that move will require him to come out with a public admission of intent.