Arsenal on alert as Barcelona update transfer stance over Julian Alvarez

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Arsenal have learned Barcelona are no longer “fixated” on signing Julian Alvarez due to the incredible form of Raphinha, according to reports in Spain.

The two clubs were involved in a transfer tug-of-war over Alvarez in the summer transfer window, only for the striker to end up staying at Atletico Madrid.

It is widely understood that Alvarez wanted to join Barcelona over Arsenal but Atletico were unwilling to do business with their La Liga counterparts.

Having missed out on signing Argentina international Alvarez, Barcelona have deployed Raphinha as their number nine so far this season.

And the Brazil star has been devastating in the role, scoring an incredible 12 goals in just eight games across La Liga and the Champions League.

In light of Raphinha’s form, Spanish publication SPORT understands Barcelona have now altered their stance on signing Atletico forward Alvarez.

SPORT claims the La Liga champions are still admirers of Alvarez but are currently channeling their efforts into signing a left-sided centre-back.

Barcelona were linked with a number of left-footed defenders in the summer including Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol and Aymeric Laporte.

However, all three ended up staying with their respective clubs: Inter Milan, Manchester City and Athletic Club.

Alvarez preferred Atletico stay over Arsenal move

BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel reported earlier this month that Arsenal knew Alvarez had little interest in joining them in the summer.

The Gunners reportedly waited until the final few days of the transfer window to see whether the 26-year-old was willing to change his mind.

However, despite his fractured relationship with Atletico, Alvarez preferred to stay with them rather than join the Premier League champions.

Alvarez had his heart set on a move to Barcelona but they were accused of having a “lack of ethics” by Atletico, who outright refused to negotiate with their rivals.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke of the club’s desire to sign Alvarez in a video which circulated on their official X account - prompting fury from Atletico.

Former Manchester City ace Alvarez has since been reintegrated into the Atletico fold, making four appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.