Alvarez rejects Arsenal and PSG, pledges loyalty to Barcelona despite Atlético's blockade

Julian Alvarez has refused to be included in operations involving Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in order to preserve a potential move to FC Barcelona, reports Mundo Deportivo. The Argentine striker from Atlético Madrid reportedly declined these options despite agreements already reached with both clubs, including a London offer valued at €50 million plus Viktor Gyökeres.

Atlético Madrid is currently refusing to entertain any Catalan approach and is standing firm. Yet according to the Spanish newspaper, “l’Araña” would be fully involved in Barcelona’s recruitment process and has clearly expressed his desire to leave internally. He continues to promise his priority to the Catalan club while waiting for a way forward to emerge.

FC Barcelona could, however, ask him to go further. A public statement from him, similar to what he did in 2024 to leave Manchester City and join Madrid, would likely accelerate negotiations. The blaugrana club has already seen this strategy work: in 2022, Robert Lewandowski publicly forced Bayern Munich’s hand to sign for Barcelona when the German club refused any discussion.

Atlético’s management knows it will be difficult to retain a player so determined to leave. The question now is whether Alvarez will take the step of a media appearance to unlock a matter that promises to be one of the sagas of the next summer transfer window.