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Moataz Elgammal

Julian Alvarez is open to massive Arsenal transfer despite lingering doubts over Atletico Madrid exit

Transfers
J. Alvarez
Arsenal
Barcelona
Atletico Madrid
Premier League
LaLiga

Julian Alvarez is reportedly open to joining Arsenal this summer despite holding significant reservations about returning to England. The forward has previously viewed Barcelona as his dream destination, but with the Catalan club stepping back, he is now seriously considering a move to North London as the transfer window approaches its crucial final days.

  • A shift in stance

    According to Spanish sports journalist Pedro Morata, Alvarez will decide today whether to negotiate with Arsenal or remain at Atletico Madrid. While the forward previously vetoed any move that was not to Barcelona, Morata claims he is now open to joining Arsenal despite having many doubts and not wanting to return to England.

    The situation is reportedly balanced at 55 per cent in favour of staying in Spain, with the remaining 45 per cent reflecting his openness to the Premier League side. This represents a significant shift after earlier reports suggested he would only leave for Catalonia.

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  • Julian Alvarez Diego SimeoneGetty Images

    London meetings and massive demands

    To facilitate a deal, Atletico Madrid director of football Mateu Alemany recently travelled to London to meet with Arsenal representatives, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners have tabled an opening bid of £103 million plus £4m in add-ons, but Atletico Madrid have requested a staggering £129m.

    The Spanish club are reportedly willing to negotiate with Arsenal, partly because they are keen on replacing Alvarez with Viktor Gyokeres. However, the asking price remains a major obstacle, especially given the public stance of Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who previously insisted they would not accept offers of €150m or €200m.

  • Rising tensions in Madrid

    The atmosphere surrounding Alvarez has soured as the deadline looms. The forward missed the opening La Liga fixture for Atletico Madrid, a 2-0 victory over Malaga, sparking hostile chants from the home supporters.

    Addressing the omission, manager Diego Simeone explained: "We don't believe Julian Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow's game. Hopefully, over these next four days, he'll make further progress and we'll be closer to where we want him to be." Despite the official explanation regarding match fitness, the timing has only amplified speculation that an exit is imminent.

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  • Julian AlvarezGetty Images

    What next for Arsenal and Alvarez?

    With the transfer window closing shortly, Arsenal must quickly decide whether to increase their offer to meet the steep demands set by Atletico Madrid. Alvarez is expected to communicate his final decision on his future today. If the two clubs fail to reach a compromise, Mikel Arteta will be forced to pursue alternative attacking targets before the deadline passes.