Julian Alvarez refuses Arsenal, insists on Barcelona move

Published Aug 20, 08:29 PM UTC

According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid has shifted its stance on Julian Alvarez's future after the Argentine forward expressed his desire to leave. The club is now open to negotiating his transfer but with a strict condition: he cannot join Barcelona. Arsenal remains interested, but Alvarez himself refuses to return to England and insists on joining Barcelona. Atletico CEO Gil Marin is personally opposed to selling to Barcelona, creating a standoff. Barcelona sees Alvarez as their primary forward target and may wait until the winter window if a summer deal fails. Atletico's plan to sell Alvarez to Arsenal could facilitate a swap for Viktor Gyokeres, but Alvarez's refusal complicates matters. The relationship between player and club has deteriorated to an unsustainable level.