Arsenal receive definitive transfer message over Julian Alvarez

Updated: 18 Aug 2026 12:50 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

Make us your Google favourite

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reiterated Julian Alvarez will remain at the club this summer, despite strong interest from Arsenal.

Article continues under the video

The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Arsenal were still holding out hope of signing Alvarez, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

Premier League champions Arsenal face stiff competition from Barcelona, however, who had an undisclosed offer for Alvarez turned down in July.

La Liga side Atletico also turned down a €150million (£130m) bid from Real Madrid in June, reminding their city rivals that the forward has a release clause worth €500m (£431m).

Atletico have repeatedly insisted Alvarez will not be sold under any circumstance, with the forward contracted to the club until 2030.

And Simeone cited that stance when asked about Alvarez’s future ahead of Atletico’s clash against Malaga tomorrow.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said: “If the club owner (Enrique Cerezo) has expressed himself so firmly, there’s not much more to add [on Alvarez]. It’s like in court: there’s no longer any room for doubt.”

Simeone confirms Alvarez will not face Malaga on Wednesday

However, Simeone revealed Alvarez is not in the frame of mind to feature in Atletico’s La Liga opener against Malaga on Wednesday.

While representing Argentina at this summer’s World Cup, Alvarez said he wanted to “fulfil his dream” by leaving Atletico.

While the 26-year-old did not publicly express his wish to join Barcelona, various sources claim they are his preferred destination - not Arsenal.

“We don’t believe Julian Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part in tomorrow’s game,” Simeone added.

“Hopefully, over these next four days, he’ll make further progress and we’ll be closer to where we want him to be.”

Barcelona had earmarked Alvarez as their dream replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who left following the expiration of his contract in June.

Arsenal meanwhile remain in the market for an elite forward after missing out on Vinicius Junior, who is set to sign a new contract with Real.

The Gunners were also keen on Morgan Rogers before he joined Chelsea in a club-record €136million (£117m) deal in July.

© IMAGO - Vinicius Junior (left) and Morgan Rogers (right)

The Athletic understands Arsenal also hold an interest in signing Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, though the Serie A club are not currently open to a sale.

Alvarez has sparkled since joining Atletico from Man City

Alvarez has developed a reputation as one of the best attackers in Europe since joining Atletico from Manchester City in 2024.

He has registered 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 games for Simeone’s side, though he is yet to win a trophy at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Alvarez free-kick specialist 😮‍💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/9xlNpXa2V3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 8, 2026

Alvarez has also netted 15 times across 59 caps for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup at Qatar 2022. He also helped them reach this summer's showpiece in North America.