-
News
- 42 minutes ago
Arsenal in DREAMLAND as Alvarez agent responds to Barcelona rumours
Tom Weber
- Updated: 24 Jan 2026 20:37 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Arsenal have been handed a big boost by the agent of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, who has played down rumours of negotiations with Barcelona.
Despite a recent form slump, the Argentina international remains one of the best strikers in world football. Alvarez is on the radar of many European giants amid Atletico Madrid's struggles to be compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid for silverware.
The 25-year-old opened the door to a potential summer transfer in late 2025, and speculation over his future has been rampant. Barcelona view him as the ideal long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, while Arsenal are also monitoring his situation.
Current ETV
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
ETV Range
€108M - €132M
It was recently claimed that Blaugrana director Deco has already met with Alvarez's representatives to dicuss a summer move. It is believed that the player would be keen on Barcelona, with his agent Fernando Hidalgo stating last summer that most Argentines have "affection" for the Catalans.
However, Hidalgo has now gone out of his way to dismiss suggestions that he is already negotiating with Barcelona or other suitors. “Any club interested in Julian should contact Atletico Madrid’s management, as the player is under contract and committed to the club,” he told EremNews.
Arsenal better placed to sign Alvarez?
Hidalgo also directly addressed the rumour that he recently spoke to Deco, adding: “It’s not true, I haven’t met with Deco or anyone from Barcelona during the current transfer period.”
This is a boost to Arsenal, who currently appear to be better placed to sign Alvarez than Barcelona. For one, the Blaugrana would struggle to match Atleti's asking price, which could be north of €100 million.
Another potential bonus is the presence of Andrea Berta. It was the Arsenal director who brought Alvarez to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2024 before later departing for North London.
That said, Arsenal already have three big-name strikers at the club in Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. At least one would have to be offloaded - also due to UEFA financial rules. Last year's spending spree means that Arsenal may have to sell to buy next summer.
Another factor could be Alvarez's previous experience at Man City. The Argentine reportedly wasn't particularly fond of the English weather during his time at the Etihad and was desperate to move to to the warmer climes of Spain.
Football transfer news headlines today
EXCLUSIVE: David Ornstein reveals how Man City got a free run at Marc Guehi
EXCLUSIVE: Carrick ‘in mix’ for permanent Man Utd job as David Ornstein reveals key advantage
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Chelsea make €40m bid as Mateta pushes for January move
DONE DEALS: Every official completed transfer around Europe today
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
