We’re still a couple of months away from the next transfer window, but Arsenal have been given another reason to keep an eye on Julián Álvarez’s situation at Atlético Madrid.
The Argentine striker has parted ways with long-time agent Fernando Hidalgo after his failed move away from Atleti. Now, reports from Argentina and Spain suggest the change could help him secure a transfer in January.
As you may expect, the Gunners remain keen on Álvarez, and the split with Hidalgo is already making headlines.
What’s more interesting is how the story has developed across the two countries, with details about the player’s family, Atlético’s anger and his next move.
What they’re saying in Argentina
It seems Argentine journalist Germán García Grova was among the first to break the news. He revealed that Álvarez had ended his relationship with Hidalgo, with no contractual ties remaining between them.
Grova also hinted that a former Argentina international could take over his representation.
Rubén Uría then linked the decision directly to Álvarez’s problems leaving Atlético Madrid. The striker had pushed for a move to Barcelona during the summer, only for the Spanish club to block his departure.
Hidalgo had represented Álvarez since he was 15. He handled his moves from River Plate to Manchester City and then Atlético.
According to El Intransigente, the breakdown followed disagreements over how the Barcelona negotiations were handled.
The report explains that Hidalgo had apparently led Álvarez to believe Atlético would consider a major offer. When Barcelona came calling, the club took a very different position. So Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín was very unhappy with the situation.
“There have been people who have deceived and confused him, and I’m very sorry about that,” he said.
Gil Marín also described Álvarez as “a good person going through a difficult period”. The player’s father, Gustavo Álvarez, has since become involved in finding a new representative.
Spanish reports bring Arsenal into the picture
There are further details from Spain, where Cadena SER has explained just how badly the relationship with Hidalgo deteriorated.
Journalist Pedro Fullana said Álvarez was deeply unhappy with the failed Barcelona operation.
“Julián was very unhappy with how the whole Barcelona operation had been handled,” he explained.
Fullana added that the striker felt Hidalgo was heading in one direction while he wanted something completely different. His family shared those concerns. They have reportedly been meeting potential replacements since early September.
Javier Pastore, who already manages Enzo Fernández’s career, now appears the strongest candidate. Miguel Martín Talavera told Cadena SER that talks are well advanced, although an appointment has yet to be officially confirmed.
The former Argentina midfielder runs The Elegant Game, an agency launched in late 2025.
And this is where things become spicy. Catalan newspaper Sport says Álvarez wants his new representative to negotiate a departure from Atlético, potentially as early as January.
The outlet also reports that Arsenal are watching developments closely. According to Sport, the Gunners would welcome negotiations involving Gyökeres as part of a possible exchange deal.
Could a January move become realistic?
Barcelona remain Álvarez’s preferred destination, according to Sport. However, the Catalan club have made no new approach.
Their attacking options have also changed following Gabriel Jesus’ arrival, leaving them with less urgency to pursue another striker.
Atlético, meanwhile, face their own problem. Álvarez has struggled for playing time this season. Sport puts his total at just 173 minutes, without a goal.
The Spanish newspaper also suggests Atlético’s previous valuation of more than €120m has become harder to justify. A new representative could help repair communication between the two sides and open discussions over a departure.
In the end, Arsenal’s interest is still there, according to Sport, and the player’s camp appears determined to find a solution. Seems like we now have another situation worth monitoring ahead of January.
