Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Julian Alvarez
24 August 2026
Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who remains determined to leave but still prefers Barcelona. Atletico have refused to sell him to Barcelona and told Arsenal they would seek around €150 million.
Atletico director Mateu Alemany met Arsenal counterparts in London, and Arsenal believe they can finance and complete a deal quickly if Alvarez agrees. His stance has softened slightly, but he has not yet given the London move a green light.