Arsenal are still monitoring a possible move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, even though the World Cup-winning Argentine is understood to favour a switch to Barcelona instead. The saga adds another layer to Arsenal’s summer rebuild, which already includes the £17m sale of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas and an ongoing pursuit of Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis.
Where Things Stand Between Arsenal and Atletico
According to Sky in Italy, early conversations have taken place at ownership level between the two clubs, with communication channels still open. That link partly runs through Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who held the same role at Atletico before making the move to north London last year.
Despite this, Atletico have shown no willingness to sell, and there remains a significant gap between what the two clubs believe Alvarez is worth. For now, Arsenal are content to keep tracking the situation rather than push for an immediate breakthrough.
Barcelona’s Pursuit Continues
Barcelona have not backed away from their own interest and could return with an improved offer once the World Cup finishes. Club president Joan Laporta has confirmed their existing bid — just over £100m — is still on the table, with sources in Spain suggesting it could rise beyond £110m (around €130m) plus add-ons.
Laporta has indicated Atletico’s refusal to sell is largely tied to not having identified a replacement for Alvarez, while Atletico chief executive Miguel Gil Marin has publicly hit back at Barcelona, accusing them of a lack of respect toward the club. Laporta himself said the offer “remains on the table” but is not open-ended, adding that Atletico’s stance could shift if they find a suitable replacement.
Adding to the drama, Real Madrid revealed last month that they had already had a £130m (€150m) bid for Alvarez turned down by Atletico — underlining just how highly the Spanish club value their forward.
Why Arsenal Face an Uphill Battle
Alvarez’s own preference is reportedly to join Barcelona, with his family said to want to remain living in Spain. That personal pull is one of the biggest hurdles Arsenal — and fellow suitors PSG — will need to overcome if they hope to prise him away from the Metropolitano.
Privately, though, Atletico are said to be more open to letting Alvarez leave for Arsenal or PSG specifically, should the player himself push to leave. Alvarez is currently focused on Argentina’s World Cup campaign and is expected to take a break before returning for Atletico pre-season, at which point talks over his future are likely to intensify.
Tzolis Emerges as Trossard’s Likely Replacement
With Trossard now completing his move to Turkey, Arsenal’s attention on the left flank has turned firmly toward Christos Tzolis. A source has described the Club Brugge winger as one of Arsenal’s primary targets to fill the gap, with the Gunners said to have long admired the player.
While the broad shape of a potential deal has reportedly been explored internally, there has been no direct contact between the two clubs yet. Brugge are expected to hold out for around £34m — a fee that would set a new Belgian Pro League transfer record.
Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers also remains on Arsenal’s radar as they look to reshape their attacking options following Trossard’s exit.
Quick Facts: Arsenal’s Attacking Rebuild
- Alvarez asking price gap: Barcelona’s bid sits just over £100m; Real Madrid’s £130m offer was already rejected
- Barcelona’s potential improved offer: £110m+ (~€130m) plus add-ons
- Alvarez’s stated preference: Barcelona, per family’s wish to stay in Spain
- Tzolis asking price: ~£34m — would be a Belgian Pro League record sale
- Trossard replacement shortlist: Christos Tzolis, Morgan Rogers
Follow all the latest Premier League transfer developments and live Arsenal action on DStv SuperSport, with kickoff times updated for East African audiences. More updates on Arsenal’s summer rebuild as the window progresses.
