Arsenal learn Julian Alvarez fate as striker issues update to Atletico Madrid

Updated: 28 Jun 2026 12:26 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Arsenal-linked Julian Alvarez has reiterated his desire to join Barcelona after Atletico Madrid failed with a fresh attempt to convince him to stay, according to reports in Spain.

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Alvarez has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world since joining Atletico from Manchester City in 2024, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side.

Such has been Alvarez’s form in front of goal that BBC Sport understands Arsenal are admirers of the 26-year-old, while The Athletic claims the forward is Barcelona’s dream signing.

STATS

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

49

Games
20

Goals
9

Assists

However, La Liga giants Atletico are adamant Alvarez is not for sale this summer after rejecting a €150million (£130m) offer from city rivals Real Madrid earlier in June.

When asked about the intense speculation surrounding his future following Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria at the World Cup on Monday, Alvarez expressed his desire to leave Atletico.

While Alvarez did not publicly express his wish to join Barcelona, widespread reports claim Hansi Flick’s side are his preferred destination ahead of Premier League champions Arsenal.

In quotes carried by BBC Sport, Alvarez said: “I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream. It's ‌not the time ‌to talk about this, but I also can't ‌hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

And now according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez has reportedly made it clear to the Atletico hierarchy that he has no intention of changing his mind, such is his desire to join Barcelona.

Saviola backs Alvarez's desire to join Barcelona

Alvarez has received encouragement from former Argentina striker Javier Saviola, who believes Barcelona represent the perfect club for his compatriot to continue his development.

In quotes carried by Mundo Deportivo, Saviola said: “He’s not the typical lethal scorer. I see him [as being] very complete. Not only do you see the scorer but you can see that he is technically very good.

© IMAGO - Julian Alvarez Atletico Madrid

"Barca is the ideal team [for Alvarez], they can allow him to enter more into the game (due to their possession-heavy brand of football). He would be surrounded by great players, giving a very high performance.”

Alvarez is hoping to help defending champions Argentina progress to the last 16 of the World Cup when they face tournament underdogs Cape Verde in the round of 32 in Miami on Friday, 3 July.

Arsenal reportedly planning second Guimaraes bid

Arsenal meanwhile are reportedly weighing up a second bid for Bruno Guimaraes after having a verbal offer worth less than €69million (£60m) turned down by Newcastle United, according to the Daily Mail.

STATS

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

Bruno Guimarães

M, DM (C)

Newcastle

41

Games
9

Goals
7

Assists

A separate report from BBC Sport understands the Gunners also hold interest in Guimaraes’ Newcastle team-mate Sandro Tonali and Lille’s teen sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season.

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Read more about: La Liga Premier League Arsenal Atlético Madrid Barcelona Lille Newcastle Real Madrid Ayyoub Bouaddi Bruno Guimaraes Julián Álvarez Sandro Tonali