Arsenal’s last‑ditch hunt for Alvarez after dramatic U‑turn

Julian Alvarez, the 26‑year‑old Atletico Madrid striker, has U‑turned on a proposed move to Arsenal and now sees the Premier League champions as his only option before the summer transfer deadline, reports in Spain, after being jeered by his own fans during Atletico’s 2‑2 draw with Villarreal.

Mikel Arteta is eager to add further strength and a genuine goalscoring threat to the Gunners’ title‑winning attack. Arsenal have set their sights on securing a last‑ditch deal for the 26‑year‑old striker.

The Gunners have already seen Morgan Rogers snub a switch to the Emirates to join bitter rivals Chelsea. Vinicius Junior also turned down Arsenal’s advances to extend his stay at Real Madrid. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter.

Alvarez’s shift towards Arsenal

According to reports in Spain, Alvarez has begun to view Arsenal as his only feasible escape route out of the Metropolitano Stadium. He had previously favoured Barcelona for much of the summer, but now regards the London club as the sole realistic option before the window closes.

Alvarez was named as a substitute against Villarreal and was jeered by his own supporters while warming up on the touchline. The boos intensified when he entered in the 66th minute of the 2‑2 draw, and he left the tunnel at full‑time before his teammates could reach the dressing room. His family were absent from the stadium and he missed Wednesday’s first‑team training after a bad night’s sleep. Picture: Getty captured the scene of Alvarez’s departure from the tunnel.

City's £80m chase fuels race with Arsenal as Alvarez stance emerges

Barcelona submitted an audacious €100 million (£85.7 million) bid for Alvarez, which Atletico Madrid rejected outright last month. Club president Joan Laporta told Barca’s in‑house media that the offer remains on the table, confirming a personal phone conversation with Atletico president Miguel Ángel Gil.

Atletico’s stance and lingering obstacles

Atletico reiterated there is a zero‑percent chance of selling Alvarez to Barcelona, stating the issue is about dignity rather than money. The club dismissed the circulating rumours as a campaign of lies and half‑truths. Atleti reasserted that they have no intention of entering into business with the reigning Spanish champions.

With only days left in the transfer window, Arsenal’s pursuit of Alvarez has moved to the forefront of their plans. The Argentine previously spent two years with Arsenal’s rivals Manchester City, adding Premier League experience to his résumé.

Arsenal must still negotiate with Atletico, who appear unwilling to part with their star without an alternative. The lingering interest from Barcelona and the club’s firm stance could complicate any last‑minute agreement.