Arsenal transfer blow? Atletico Madrid's stance on Julian Alvarez revealed as agent opens door to exit amid Gunners and Barcelona links

Less than a day after Alvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, left the door open for a summer transfer, a report from AS, via Sport Witness, states Atletico have no plans to sell the forward - despite Arsenal 'heading the list' of interested parties.

The report adds that Barcelona have also been named as a potential suitor but won't be able to afford him this summer as Atletico will want more than the £81 million (€95m) they paid Manchester City last year. The 25-year-old also has four years left on his contract and is said to have a €500m (£421.5m) release clause, so he may stay in Madrid for a while.

Hidalgo also confirmed that Atletico are eager to keep Alvarez next season, despite him potentially wanting to head to Barcelona one day - just as Argentine icon Lionel Messi did.

“He received many calls, but Atlético’s position is that Julián stays next season,” he said. “He has admiration for Spanish clubs and having followed Leo’s career since he was a child, I don’t think there are many Argentinians who don’t have a fondness for Barca, especially given how the team played this season.”

Alvarez, who has been praised by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, is in the midst of a busy summer stint as after representing Argentina this week, he could play for Atletico in their Club World Cup campaign in the United States later this month.