Confirmed: Julian Alvarez makes Arsenal transfer decision

Updated: 14 Jul 2026 14:45 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has a very clear stance on a possible move to Arsenal amid the Gunners' ongoing battle with Barcelona for his signature.

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The Argentina international is one of the protagonists of this summer transfer window. It is understood that Alvarez is keen to leave Atletico Madrid as the club have been unable to win major silverware despite huge investment.

Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG have all expressed an interest in signing the 26-year-old, while Real Madrid previously made a €150 million bid for him, though this was widely regarded as a red herring.

Current ETV

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Álvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€93.4M - €114.1M

All of Alvarez's suitors have been in touch with his entourage, but Barcelona have taken the most concrete steps towards signing him. They have lodged a €100m bid with Atleti, and the offer remains on the table, despite the Madrid club's unwillingness to do business with their LaLiga rivals.

Barcelona have received encouragement from Alvarez. It is understood that he is desperate to play for the Blaugrana, and he recently insisted that he wanted to leave Atleti to "fulfil" his dream. This was widely seen as a clear message to his club that he wants to move to Catalunya.

Alvarez makes Arsenal decision

Arsenal's involvement in this transfer saga has been less clear. It is known that both Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta absolutely love Alvarez. In fact, the former signed the Argentine for Atleti before his switch to the Gunners.

However, reports in Spain have repeatedly insisted that Alvarez is not keen on a return to the Premier League after his spell at Man City. He actively wanted to move away from England when he decided to depart the Etihad club in 2024.

Sky Sports has now confirmed that Alvarez does not want to return to the UK, nor does he have any interest in moving to France. This is described as one of the "major obstacles" Arsenal and PSG will have to overcome in order to sign him.

The outlet corroborates that the player's unequivocal desire is to move to Barcelona. This stance is informed by his family's wish to remain in Spain. Because of this, however, the situation remains deadlocked.

Barcelona could improve their bid after the World Cup, but Atleti continue to insist that they do not want to sell to their rivals. It is believed that they would be much more open to doing business with Arsenal or PSG.

But unless Alvarez changes his stance on a return to England, this won't happen. As a result, it is currently believed that the most realistic outcome is that the player will still be at Atleti next season.

Whatever the case, the situation is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. Alvarez is scheduled to go on holiday once Argentina's World Cup campaign concludes, and discussions with Atleti will likely only take place when he reports for pre-season after his break.

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