PSG withdraw from Julian Alvarez pursuit after doubts over player's interest

Paris Saint-Germain have pulled out of the race to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after initial talks failed to convince the French club that he was genuinely interested in joining them. According to L’Equipe, cited by Diario AS, PSG did not want to pursue a player who showed little excitement about the prospect of playing for them.

Alvarez has been the dominant transfer story in Spain since the end of the Liga season. Barcelona are understood to be his preferred destination, and the Argentine has reportedly made clear to Atletico that he would like to leave the club. Atletico, for their part, have pushed back firmly — denying reports of a €100 million offer from Barcelona and pointing to a contract running until 2030 and a €500 million release clause. The club also took aim at their Catalan rivals on social media amid the speculation.

PSG’s exit narrows the field of realistic suitors. Reports had previously suggested the Parisians made an approach to Atletico that went unanswered, though that contact came before Alvarez’s desire to leave became public knowledge. With PSG now standing down, the transfer picture is becoming clearer, even if a deal remains far from straightforward given Atletico’s valuation.

Arsenal represent the remaining significant alternative. The Gunners won the Premier League title but fell short in the Champions League, and the club’s hierarchy may conclude that a forward of Alvarez’s quality is the piece needed to bridge that gap. Viktor Gyokeres, signed last summer as the club’s primary number nine, endured a difficult debut season at the Emirates, which could add urgency to any move for a proven replacement option.

Whether Arsenal are willing to meet Atletico’s demands — and whether Alvarez would favour a move to north London over staying put — remains to be seen. For now, Barcelona hold the clearest path to signing him, though Atletico’s contractual leverage means any deal will require significant financial commitment.