Arsenal's Interest in Julian Alvarez Grows Amid Atletico's Stance
Arsenal’s move for Julian Alvarez is no longer a fantasy in the final days of the window. It’s a live option. And, according to Fabrizio Romano, it’s one that “should not be underestimated”.
The Argentina international has spent the summer fixated on one destination: Barcelona. That stance has strained his relationship with Atletico Madrid and large sections of their support, yet the club’s hierarchy have drawn a hard line of their own.
Atletico will not sell to Barcelona. Not now. Not while Miguel Angel Gil Marin is in charge.
Atletico’s hard line on Barcelona
Speaking on Thursday, the Atletico CEO delivered one of the most uncompromising public messages of the summer.
“The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” Gil Marin said.
“I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. You have my word – the player [Alvarez] will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”
That wasn’t framed as a one-window threat either. Gil Marin later underlined that “as long as I will be here as Atletico Madrid CEO” a move to Barcelona is off the table, sending a message that stretches beyond this deadline.
The stance is brutal for Alvarez, who has repeatedly told those close to him that his dream is Barcelona. It also blows the race wide open for the one major club still in position: Arsenal.
Arsenal waiting in the shadows
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, insists Arsenal are not just watching this unfold from a distance. They are preparing.
“I know I’ve been on this one for a few days and many of you don’t believe it but I keep telling you that Arsenal are there for Julian Alvarez. Arsenal are there. Arsenal are waiting. Arsenal have their own strategy, I think it’s a real strategy,” he said.
“It’s not that Arsenal are just there looking at the situation. Arsenal are in the background because obviously Arsenal need to respect the player, his family, his agents, the player decides. So Arsenal can only wait but at the same time, while they are waiting and while they are in the background, Arsenal are active in the conversations.”
The key detail: Arsenal have already told Atletico they are ready to do business.
“Arsenal confirmed, according to my information, to Atletico Madrid that they would be ready to make business. They would be ready to try and reach an agreement,” Romano continued.
The London club’s financial position has shifted too. The sale of Gabriel Martinelli – with the final fee expected to land between £50m and £60m – has opened room in their budget.
“This extra money after all the extra money generated by Arsenal in the recent months gives Arsenal space to make business for Julian Alvarez,” Romano said. “So Arsenal will be ready to sit at the table with Atletico Madrid and to reach an agreement.”
Decision time for Alvarez
The clock is ticking. Four or five days left. One major suitor shut down. Another ready to pounce.
Romano framed it in simple, human terms: “It’s real people in real life. So if at any moment Julian Alvarez or his agent call Arsenal to tell them ‘okay we want to come because there is no other way’ Arsenal will be ready. So get ready for this scenario because it’s not impossible. Arsenal are there for Julian and we have to follow the situation but this depends on the player.”
Up to now, Alvarez has held firm.
“Until today, until tonight, until the recent hours, Julian always said only Barcelona, ‘I want Barcelona, my dream is Barcelona’ but Arsenal keep waiting and remain on their position,” Romano said.
Atletico, for their part, have drawn a clear map. No to Barcelona. Yes to alternatives.
On other clubs, Gil Marin’s message was blunt: “If he doesn’t want to stay in Madrid, no to Barcelona, but we are open to finding a solution.”
Romano distilled that stance: “Guys, the message from Atletico Madrid is very clear: if Julian wants to go to Arsenal please go. You are free to go. They would love to keep Julian, obviously, Atletico Madrid would love to continue with Julian to have a new chance to continue together. But if Julian wants to go and if Julian will ask to go they know that Arsenal are there. So, it’s on Julian to decide what he wants to do.”
So the situation is set. Atletico have shut one door and quietly left another wide open. Arsenal have the money, the green light to negotiate, and a clear path.
All that’s missing now is Alvarez’s answer.
