Gavi insists Barcelona is Alvarez's dream as Atletico resist Arsenal and Barca bids

Julian Alvarez has submitted a formal transfer request to Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona and Arsenal competing for the Argentine forward’s signature — and Barcelona midfielder Gavi has now publicly backed his club to land the deal.

Gavi’s endorsement came after Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed that sporting director Deco had lodged a concrete offer for Alvarez, who the club believe has wanted to join them since his time at Manchester City. “Deco made an offer of a certain amount of money for Álvarez, who has wanted to join us since he was at City,” Laporta said. “It remains on the table and the deal could still go through, but the offer is not open-ended.”

Gavi was direct when asked about the prospect of Alvarez arriving at Camp Nou. “Hopefully,” he said. “We’ll see what he decides to do with his future, but of course I’d love him to be with us. Besides, it’s his dream.”

Alvarez himself has not hidden his desire to move on. “I spoke with the people at Atlético Madrid, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer,” the 26-year-old said earlier this summer. “I want to fulfil my dream.”

Atletico, however, are digging in. President Enrique Cerezo said the request caught the club off guard and maintained that no sale is planned. “It caught us by surprise and we have done what we had to do,” Cerezo said. “We’ve said that he is an Atletico de Madrid player and that we have no offers from anyone. Even if there were offers, we do not want to sell him.”

Laporta acknowledged the impasse, noting that Atletico’s reluctance centres on the absence of a replacement. “Atlético said no because they didn’t have a replacement. If they get one, we will see,” he said.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 and has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for the Spanish side. He has four years remaining on his contract, giving Atletico considerable leverage in any negotiation despite the player’s public push for an exit.