Fabrizio Romano sets record straight as Arsenal open Endrick talks

Updated: 28 Aug 2026 14:25 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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Arsenal have begun exploring a move for Real Madrid forward Endrick as they await a response from Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez.

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The Gunners are expected to bring in one more forward before the deadline next week. Gabriel Martinelli is on his way to Al-Hilal in a deal worth north of €65 million, and the Brazil international must be replaced.

This big-money sale will give Arsenal plenty of financial wiggle room. They have indicated to Atletico Madrid that they are willing to pay what is necessary to secure the signing of the €150m-rated Alvarez, but the player has yet to make a decision.

Current ETV

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€84M - €102.7M

The Argentine dreams of joining Barcelona despite Atleti making it abundantly clear that they will not sell to their LaLiga rivals. To date, Alvarez has rejected a return to England out of hand, but he may ultimately be left with no choice given his club's obstinacy.

Should Alvarez open the door to a move to London, Arsenal will swoop, and there is confidence, and perhaps even already an acceptance, that they would get a deal done with Atleti. Everything ultimately hinges on the player's decision.

Endrick deal explored, but Alvarez remains the priority

Arsenal obviously can't wait forever, and they are therefore also exploring potential alternatives. According to TEAMtalk and talkSPORT, the Gunners have made an approach for Real Madrid starlet Endrick.

Liverpool also recently tested the waters for the Brazilian striker, but nothing came of it. That's because Real Madrid have decided that Endrick will be part of Jose Mourinho's squad this season. Fabrizio Romano reports that this stance will not change, despite Arsenal's interest.

"Endrick will go nowhere despite requests from several clubs," the transfer insider wrote on X. "Real Madrid management and Mourinho wanted Endrick to stay; he has no intention to leave."

The Independent claims that Man Utd winger Marcus Rashford could also become an option for the Premier League champions should they still not have a proper Martinelli replacement lined up come next week.

Arsenal's clear priority, though, remains Alvarez. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano reiterated that the Gunners remain in touch with the camp of the Atleti star and that they are ready to make their move the moment he agrees to move to England.

"Now they are waiting on Julian, and any moment - when it's just four, five days to go [until the deadline] - could be the moment. I know in football, the market sometimes feels like a completely different world, but it's real life, it's real people.

"If at any moment, Julian Alvarez and his agent call Arsenal and say, 'Okay, we want to come because there is no other way,' Arsenal will be ready. So get ready for this scenario because it's not impossible."