Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have discussed the terms of a possible deal for Julian Alvarez, but the transfer is currently a long way from being completed.
The talks took place in London and included Atletico Madrid director Mateu Alemany, according to respected transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who reported the meeting on social media.
However, Arsenal face two significant obstacles in their attempt to sign the Argentina forward. Atletico Madrid’s asking price is considered too high, while Alvarez himself is not currently considering a move to England.
The 25-year-old’s preference remains a transfer to Barcelona, which makes Arsenal’s position even more difficult. There is no indication that an agreement has been reached between the clubs, and the player’s reported desire to move to Spain means the London side would need to overcome both financial and personal barriers.
The discussions between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are understood to have focused on the conditions of a potential transfer. They do not, however, represent a completed deal or suggest that Alvarez has changed his stance over his preferred destination.
A move to Barcelona is the only transfer option Alvarez is currently understood to be interested in, according to previous reports. That preference has been repeated in the latest developments and remains central to the uncertainty surrounding Arsenal’s interest.
Alemany’s presence in London had previously been linked to separate negotiations involving Nicolas Jackson, the forward who plays for Chelsea. Reports had stated that the Atletico Madrid director travelled to the English capital to discuss Jackson.
The latest meeting involving Arsenal and Atletico Madrid therefore adds another possible transfer discussion to Alemany’s visit, but Alvarez’s situation remains unresolved. The financial demands involved and the forward’s preference for Barcelona mean the proposed move to Arsenal is not close at this stage.
For now, Arsenal’s interest has led to talks with Atletico Madrid rather than an agreement. Alvarez remains linked with Barcelona, while the high cost of the transfer continues to make a move to England difficult.