Arsenal told Julian Alvarez saga is over as Barcelona issue massive update

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he has cleared the air with Atletico Madrid counterpart Miguel Angel Gil Marin following the war-of-words over Julian Alvarez.

The two clubs were at loggerheads over the summer as Barcelona tried to sign Alvarez despite Atletico insisting they would not sell the striker to a La Liga rival.

Barcelona posted a video on their official X account in which Laporta said the club were keen to land Alvarez, even though Atletico had made their position clear.

In response to the video, Atletico CEO Gil Marin reiterated Alvarez would not be allowed to join Barcelona, calling them “repulsive” and lacking in “ethics”.

Atletico had previously taken to social media to mock Barcelona after they made a reported €100million (£85.7m) bid to sign Argentina international Alvarez.

The capital club said they had made a counter-offer for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal which included a bag of sunflower seeds, tickets to see Bad Bunny and an ABC subscription.

Alvarez, who was desperate to join Barcelona despite rival interest from Premier League champions Arsenal, remained with Atletico as the transfer window closed.

However, Barcelona chief Laporta says he and Gil Marin have now buried the hatchet over Alvarez, saying the two have “met up and shared a hug”.

In an interview with El Chiringuito via SPORT, Laporta said: “I have a special affection for Miguel Angel Gil Marin and his family.

“We met up and shared a hug. We’ve certainly smoothed things over, and I believe everything is clear now.

“The truth is that we never broke off our personal relationship, and he is a fantastic man with whom I feel very at ease.

“We spoke last night (Monday), and we also saw each other this morning (Tuesday) before the speeches [at the General Assembly of the European Football Clubs].

“Honestly, things are very good, very good with Miguel Angel [and me].”

And when asked if Barcelona’s plan to sign Alvarez was shelved for the time being, Laporta replied: “Yes, yes, that was a thing of the past.”

Arsenal knew Alvarez only had eyes for Barcelona

BBC Sport understands Arsenal knew they were fighting a losing battle to convince Alvarez to join them instead of Barcelona in the summer.

Atletico were reportedly open to selling Alvarez to Arsenal but the 26-year-old had his heart set on joining La Liga champions Barcelona.

Arsenal developed an interest in signing Alvarez as they looked to make a marquee signing up top - an ambition they were unable to fulfil despite their best efforts.

The north London club also pursued deals for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and Kenan Yildiz of Juventus but they were unable to extract either player.