Atletico Madrid 'agree to sell' Alvarez to Arsenal

21 Aug 2026 06:31 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Julian Alvarez has rejected the chance to join Arsenal despite Atletico Madrid agreeing to enter transfer negotiations for his departure this summer.

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Alvarez has been determined to sign for Barcelona but Atletico have insisted they will not sell their star man to their rivals and have refused to enter talks, much to the player’s public fury.

Current ETV

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

ETV Range

€84M - €102.7M

Arsenal have long-been linked with Alvarez and Mikel Arteta is believed to see the Argentine international as the perfect complement to his attacking unit and the ideal signing to close out the transfer window.

However, a report by Mundo Deportivo claims that Atletico have now ‘shifted its stance’ over selling Alvarez and will allow him to leave with the condition that it will not be to Barcelona.

Instead, Atletico will only negotiate with Arsenal but Alvarez is said to be ‘not keen’ on a switch to the Premier League champions and will instead continue to hold out for a move to Barca.

Alvarez’s situation at Atletico is now ‘untenable’ and the club recognise this but they are still adamant that they will not sell to Barca, which has only increased the forward’s discontent.

Alvarez ready to push for Barcelona move despite Arsenal pursuit

Alvarez spent two years at Manchester City before joining Atletico in 2024 for €95 million and the striker is not keen on returning to England, instead much preferring the weather and culture in Spain.

© IMAGO - Julian Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid.

Instead, Alvarez is hoping to join Barcelona, who have publicly courted the player, prompting Atletico to take a hardline stance and insist they will not negotiate for his sale at any price except his €400m release clause.

Barcelona are still holding out for Atletico to be forced into altering their stance, with Alvarez continuing to burn bridges in order to push a transfer through, but the Catalans are also assessing other targets.

One player who could feature heavily in the situation is Viktor Gyokeres, with reports in Spain claiming the striker is keen to leave Arsenal and has offered himself to Barcelona, while the Gunners would also be willing to include him in talks to sign Alvarez from Atletico.