Arsenal are the only option for Julián Alvarez if he wants to leave Atlético Madrid this summer.
The Premier League winners have long been pursuing the striker, who has his heart set on joining Barcelona.
Los Rojiblancos are refusing to let him move to the Camp Nou, and maintain their tough stance.
On Monday, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that Arsenal’s project tempts the striker. However, he isn’t keen on a move because of the bureaucratic hurdles for his family to obtain the UK visa. The details of those issues haven’t been explained.
Arsenal only option
Journalist Jose Alvarez Haya, covering developments for El Chiringuito, reports that the Madrid club are ‘desperate’ to get rid of him and sell him to Arsenal.
Haya then took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to add that the Argentina international won’t move to Barcelona.
He states: ‘Atlético’s problem is huge because they need to sell him to make a signing. And their only option (besides Barca) is Arsenal.’
Journalist Veronica Brunati took to X to share additional updates on the Gunners pursuit.
The north London club were the first to explore a deal and are aware of Atlético Madrid’s conditions and Julián Alvarez’s wishes.
At the weekend, the Spanish club’s supporters booed him at their own stadium. After the latest events, Arsenal are the only one who can offer him an escape route.
In another post on X, Brunati says: ‘Arteta tried to convince Julián that moving to London would be a good option and made it clear that he wants to count on him. The deal ultimately depends on Atlético’s and Julián’s willingness to negotiate his exit.’
Arsenal not giving up
Tuesday’s edition of AS reports the Emirates club are still waiting for the South American.
Atlético Madrid’s refusal to let him join Barcelona opens the door for Mikel Arteta’s side. The newspaper states Arsenal could offer €150m, which can be tempting, especially after their own fans booed Julián Alvarez.
However, the attacker doesn’t want to return to England mainly because of his family.
Therefore, Arsenal have to overcome three challenges to secure his services.
The two are convincing both Diego Simeone’s side and the player, and the third is Atlético finding a new No.9 in the last week of the window.
Atlético are open to selling him to Arsenal and Viktor Gyökeres could move in the opposite direction. This leaves the latter with only convincing Alvarez as the main challenge.
Arteta tried to convince Julián that moving to London would be a good option and made it clear that he wants to count on him.
The deal ultimately depends on Atlético’s and Julián’s willingness to negotiate his exit. https://t.co/F1e2CIBrTZ
— Veronica Brunati (@verobrunati) August 24, 2026
