Arsenal’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez appear to have suffered a setback after the forward was reported to be uninterested in a move from Atletico Madrid.
The Premier League club held talks with Atletico Madrid director Mateu Alemany to establish the conditions of a potential deal for the Argentina international.
However, Atletico Madrid’s valuation is currently considered too high for Arsenal, while Alvarez is not interested in returning to England in the immediate future.
Arsenal are understood to remain keen to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes. The reigning Premier League champions are looking to add another forward, although the club does not want to make a signing simply for the sake of increasing its squad numbers.
Alvarez has been a long-term target for Arsenal, but his preference is reportedly to join Barcelona rather than move to the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal’s meeting with Alemany was intended to give the club a clearer understanding of what would be required to complete a transfer. The discussions provided an opportunity to assess Atletico Madrid’s expectations and the wider conditions surrounding a possible agreement.
At this stage, though, there is no indication that Arsenal are close to finalising a deal. Atletico Madrid’s asking price remains above what the Premier League side is prepared to meet, and Alvarez’s own position is another obstacle.
The forward is said to have no desire to return to England any time soon, making an Arsenal move difficult even if the two clubs were able to reach an understanding over the fee.
Arsenal’s interest therefore remains dependent on whether the financial demands change and whether Alvarez’s stance develops before the transfer window shuts. For now, the player’s preference for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s high asking price leave the proposed move away from the club looking unlikely.
The situation also means Arsenal must decide whether to continue exploring the deal or focus on other options as they seek attacking reinforcements. Their intention remains to strengthen the forward line, but the club’s approach is not to pursue additions without being convinced they are the right fit.
Alvarez remains under contract with Atletico Madrid, where he is regarded as a long-standing target for Arsenal. But with the player reportedly uninterested in an immediate return to England, and with the Spanish side demanding a significant fee, the current circumstances do not favour a transfer to the Premier League champions.
