Arsenal have hours to convince Julián Álvarez as Atlético Madrid set Sunday deadline

Arsenal’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez has entered a critical final phase, with Atlético Madrid demanding the Argentina international makes a decision on his future by Sunday — leaving the Gunners just hours to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Álvarez, 26, had made clear at the start of the summer that his preference was to join Barcelona, but Atlético’s board unanimously blocked any negotiations with the Catalan club, citing a breakdown in professional conduct. That stance has opened a door for Arsenal, who have been monitoring the situation closely and are understood to be firmly interested — though the club will only proceed if Álvarez himself is fully committed to the move.

The forward has been a standout performer since his £81.8m arrival from Manchester City in 2024, registering 49 goals in 107 appearances. Atlético are now asking for £128.4m to release him, and the club faces the additional challenge of managing his reintegration carefully after publicly denying his transfer request — a stance that has drawn a backlash from sections of the Atlético support toward Álvarez himself.

Álvarez is set to miss Atlético’s weekend fixture against Sevilla after sitting out training this week through illness, adding further uncertainty to an already turbulent situation.

Manchester City have also been linked with a return move for their former striker, though Álvarez is reported to have reservations about going back to England — a factor that complicates Arsenal’s approach as much as City’s.

In June, Álvarez addressed his situation publicly. “I spoke with the people at [Atlético] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer,” he said. “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.”

Atlético, for their part, have been unequivocal in their public communications. “Atlético Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs,” the club said in a statement. “FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Álvarez.”

With the transfer window closing imminently, Arsenal’s ability to secure a deal now rests almost entirely on whether Álvarez can be persuaded that a move to north London is the right next step in his career.