Atletico Madrid have shifted their position and are now willing to sell Julian Alvarez to Arsenal. However, the player may block the move because he remains resolute in his wish to join Barcelona instead.
Alvarez's dream move to Barcelona
Alvarez, 26, is desperate to link up with Barca, who saw their €100million (£86m) offer knocked back earlier this summer and were the subject of a FIFA complaint from Atletico for allegedly approaching the player without permission. This came after Alvarez publicly declared his desire to depart during the World Cup.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone stated earlier this month that the Argentina international's future had been settled, with the striker expected to stay in Madrid for a further season. However, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that the situation has become unsustainable, compelling Atletico to sanction a sale — just not to Barcelona.
Swap deal discussed
Simeone would even consider taking Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres as part of a swap deal discussed in recent weeks. Alvarez, though, has no interest in returning to England, having left Manchester City in 2024. His ambitions lie firmly with Barcelona, widely regarded as his 'dream' club.
In June, Alvarez stated: "I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream. It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person."
Release clause stance
Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has remained resolute, insisting that the sole means by which Alvarez can depart is for a club to meet his staggering €500m (£428m) release clause. "We don't want to transfer him," Gil Marin stated. "We didn't accept the €100m offer, nor will we accept one for €150m or €200m. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him."
Alvarez was absent from Atletico's opening La Liga fixture, a 2-0 home victory against Malaga. Simeone explained prior to kick-off that the former City star lacked match sharpness, having been afforded additional rest following Argentina's run to the World Cup final. "We don't believe Julian Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow's game," the Atletico boss said. "Hopefully, over these next four days, he'll make further progress and we'll be closer to where we want him to be. We're looking after both the person and the player, and we understand that he is not in the right condition to play in this match."
Atletico's next fixture falls on Sunday, with Villarreal the visitors to the Wanda Metropolitano. Whether Alvarez will be deemed fit enough to feature remains to be seen.
