Atletico Madrid rule out Barcelona sale of Alvarez, leaving Arsenal path open

Atletico Madrid’s board of directors have issued a formal statement unanimously backing the club’s refusal to sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, explicitly closing the door on any negotiations with the Catalan side and indirectly clearing a path for Arsenal to pursue the 26-year-old Argentine forward.

In the statement, the board wrote: “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. We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that 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 Alvarez.”

Argentine outlet BolaVIP has reported that Atletico are willing to sell Alvarez to Arsenal, despite making no reference to the Gunners in their statement. While Alvarez’s preference has been a move to the Nou Camp, he is understood to be open to joining Arsenal as an alternative destination.

The situation at Atletico has grown increasingly tense. Alvarez missed training for a second consecutive day, citing illness, and manager Diego Simeone confirmed the club had instructed the former Manchester City forward to bypass supporters and head straight to the dressing room after a recent match. “People at the club told me that the club decided he shouldn’t go near the stands or the fans,” Simeone said. “It was the club’s decision to keep him away and separate him so he could go to the locker room.”

Arsenal have been active in the transfer market this summer, adding Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier to their squad. However, their attacking reinforcements have been limited, with Tzolis’ arrival from Club Brugge the only notable addition in the final third.

The Gunners have already missed out on Morgan Rogers, who opted for Chelsea, and Vinicius Junior, who signed a new contract with Real Madrid. Alvarez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, would represent a significant statement signing as Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first Premier League title in over two decades.

Compounding the squad picture at the Emirates, Gabriel Martinelli is reported to be on the verge of a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, adding further urgency to Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements.