Arsenal have been told they cannot sign Julian Alvarez unless they trigger his £428 million release clause at Atletico Madrid. The former Manchester City striker has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital all summer, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both seeing approaches rejected earlier in the window.
Gunners face record-breaking fee
The Gunners are reportedly keen to strengthen their forward line ahead of a renewed Premier League title challenge. However, any deal would require them to smash the world transfer record several times over, as Atletico are unwilling to accept anything less than the striker's eye-popping release clause.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone made the club's position clear during a press conference at the weekend. He said: "The situation is very clear. The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian."
Simeone backs striker to stay
Simeone added: "From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."
Alvarez is due back in training with Atletico next week after being given extra time off following Argentina's run to the World Cup final. Earlier in the tournament, he told the club's board he wanted to leave, saying: "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."
Arsenal's long-standing interest
Arsenal have held a long-term interest in the 26-year-old and are searching for a forward after failing to land Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. Reports have suggested they would be willing to include £64 million signing Viktor Gyokeres in a player-plus-cash deal for Alvarez, who joined Atletico from City in 2024 for £82 million.
Atletico are negotiating from a position of strength, having already lodged a complaint with FIFA over Barcelona's alleged illegal approach for Alvarez. Club official Gil Marin said earlier this summer: "We don't want to transfer him. 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."
