Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez transfer verdict as Barcelona 'find' alternative

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Arsenal have been told Barcelona emerged victorious from their transfer tug-of-war over Julian Alvarez this summer - albeit indirectly.

Both Arsenal and Barcelona were keen to sign Alvarez in the summer transfer window, only for the 26-year-old to stay put at Atletico Madrid.

Various sources understand Alvarez preferred a move to Barcelona over Arsenal but Atletico were unwilling to do business by their La Liga rivals.

Despite missing out on signing Alvarez, Arsenal have made a strong start to the season, winning seven of their opening eight games in all competitions.

However, Barcelona have enjoyed an even better opening to 2026-27, registering eight wins from as many games, scoring a ridiculous 36 goals.

One man who has sparkled for the Spanish heavyweights this season is Raphinha, who has operated as a No. 9 following the failure to sign Alvarez.

The 29-year-old, who typically plays as a left winger for Barcelona, has scored a staggering 12 times in just seven appearances this season.

Such has been Raphinha’s form in front of goal that SPORT writer Joan Mª Batlle believes the Brazil star is currently the best striker in the world.

“The transformation of Raphinha into a central striker will go down in the annals of the history of football,” writes Battle.

“In fact, it already has, because in the eight games played this season he has already broken the records of the best [version] of (Robert) Lewandowski at Barca and, also, of the best [version of] (Lionel) Messi at the start of a season.

STATS

Raphinha

F, M (L), AM (R)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F, M (L), AM (R)

Barcelona

All Tournaments

2026/27

• 8

  Games

• 14

  Goals

• 3

  Assists

View all stats

“It is not the first time that Raphinha has reinvented himself [at Barca]. He arrived at Barca as a right winger and Lamine's eruption moved him to the left, not without Barca having first tried to sign Nico Williams [from Athletic Club].

“But the biggest thing of all is that for the third consecutive year Raphinha has survived the ghost of another star signing, that of Julian Alvarez, which despite the will of the club could not be finalised.

“And again, as if by magic, Raphinha has become by necessity the best [number] nine in the world, the ideal centre forward for (Hansi) Flick’s system.”

Arsenal suffered heavy loss at Brighton last weekend

While Barcelona are flying without Alvarez, Arsenal meanwhile are collecting their thoughts following the surprise 3-0 loss at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Gunners return to Premier League action when they entertain Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 10 October following the international break.

Alvarez, on the other hand, has made four appearances for Atletico so far this season, with the forward yet to find the back of the net for Diego Simeone’s men.

The former Manchester City attacker was a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid in Sunday’s derby at the Metropolitano Stadium.