Arsenal are the only team in with a chance of signing Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Argentina striker has expressed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are publicly pushing hard.
The Catalans have submitted a €100million bid which was rejected, as have Real Madrid, but for €150m.
Barca remains the player’s preferred destination, and although Atleti are publicly sticking to their ‘not for sale’ stance, there is one route out for the striker.
Atleti insider says Julian Alvarez can only join Arsenal
Atleti insider Miguel Martín Talavera told Cadena SER of Arsenal’s interest: “It’s the only roadmap that can be considered at Atletico.
“The first thing Atletico Madrid is clear about is that they want Julian [to stay], but if, when he comes to us, they have a mature conversation and he absolutely wants to leave, he’s obviously not going to Barcelona.
“They’re not going to strengthen a direct rival, especially given what Atletico Madrid perceives as Barca’s behaviour this year, pursuing and pressuring the player.
“If the final decision is that he absolutely has to leave, other options will be considered, and the strongest one is Arsenal, because it also guarantees the possibility of having an immediate replacement, which would be the Swede Gyokeres, in addition to a substantial sum of money.”
Arsenal paid €65m for Gyokeres last summer and he didn’t quite live up to expectations despite a decent goal return and Premier League winners medal.
Alvarez is far more of a ‘world class’ style signing and Arsenal have a long held interest.
Yet with a release clause of €500m, the most likely scenario still appears to be him staying at Atleti.
Alvarez is desperate to leave Atleti
Alvarez doesn’t want that, though, he confirmed while speaking at the World Cup.
In an interview with ESPN, he said: “The best thing for everyone is a transfer; I want to fulfil my dream.
“I can’t hide, nor act as if I don’t want to be clear; I try to be honest.
“I spoke with people from Atlético and I think the best thing for everyone involved is for me to leave. I want to fulfil my dream.”
Earlier in the season, he also sounded unsure about his future after a Champions League win over Tottenham.
“How should I know… I don’t know… Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know,” he said when asked if he’d be with Atleti next season.
“I’m very happy here and I’m focused on the present, working hard to give my best, and I’ve never said anything bad about the club. I’m very grateful.”
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