According to The Athletic, the only possible way for Julián Álvarez to leave the club this summer is if Arsenal table a €150‑million offer, yet this scenario is unlikely to materialise.
Reports state that officially, Atlético Madrid has consistently insisted Julián Álvarez is non‑saleable throughout this transfer window. However, sources close to the club’s senior management say they would consider accepting an offer worth 150 million euros.
When Real Madrid released a statement on June 9 saying an offer of that amount had been rejected, sources on both sides indicated the bid was not serious, and in any case, the club would never sell the player to their bitter rivals.
Atlético Madrid has resolved never to sell him to Barcelona, let alone Real Madrid. The situation could be different, though, if the suitor is Arsenal.
A source close to Atlético Madrid’s hierarchy revealed that they believe Arsenal submitting a €150‑million bid represents Julián Álvarez’s sole chance of departing this summer. Even though Arsenal has not yet tabled any offer, the source considers it improbable for the club to pay such a huge transfer fee for the forward.
They described Julián Álvarez’s situation as “absurd” and commented that “the transfer window needs to end right now”, especially after the scenes where he was booed at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona’s top target and Frick’s first choice to strengthen the forward line this summer. The Catalan side currently lacks a mature centre‑forward. Nevertheless, over recent weeks, internal optimism within the club about signing him has faded, particularly given Atlético Madrid’s tough stance.
Sources inside Barcelona’s dressing‑room say they know Julián Álvarez is eager to join the club. The board insists it is still monitoring him and is ready to wait until the final moments of the summer transfer window — yet preparations for alternative options besides Julián Álvarez must also be made.
Atlético Madrid’s refusal to enter negotiations has prompted sporting director Deco to explore other centre‑forward targets. Senior sources at Camp Nou confirm they have indeed kept tabs on Lautaro Martínez. However, Inter Milan regard him as a non‑saleable asset.
Despite long‑term admiration for Julián Álvarez, Arsenal is uncertain how strongly the player wishes to make a move to the Premier League. They held talks with Atlético Madrid and Julián Álvarez’s representatives over a potential deal last week. Julián Álvarez’s desire to join Barcelona is well‑known, and Arsenal hopes to receive encouragement from the player’s camp before advancing negotiations.
With Al‑Hilal pursuing Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s priority this summer is signing a left‑sided winger. That said, Arsenal stands ready to be flexible. They think there are relatively few forward options capable of improving their squad, hence their interest in bringing in a striker of Julián Álvarez’s calibre.
Nevertheless, insiders confirm Julián Álvarez still harbours a strong desire to join Barcelona. For an agreement with Arsenal to happen, his preference would have to change.
Just over one week remains until the September 1 transfer deadline, leaving little time for Arsenal to persuade him to change his mind.
