Julian Alvarez makes transfer call with Arsenal named as ‘the only realistic option’

Julian Alvarez makes transfer call with Arsenal named as ‘the only realistic option’ Chris Davie Published June 5, 2026 5:08pm Updated June 5, 2026 5:13pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Arsenal are planning a move to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez (Getty)

Julian Alvarez is not considering a move to Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta’s side being the only realistic option in the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Barcelona have made Alvarez one of their top targets but their opening bid of €100 million (£86.4m) has been rejected by Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal are also interested in a deal for the Argentina international and reports in Spain this week have claimed that the Premier League champions plan to begin talks with Atletico.

However, Cadena SER reports that Alvarez’s situation is ‘absolutely at a standstill’ as Atletico are refusing to negotiate with Barcelona.

All the World Cup action

Get everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day. Sign up here.

The report described Arsenal as Alvarez’s ‘only realistic option on the table right now’ but the 26-year-old has no intention of joining the Gunners.

Julian Alvarez is holding out for a move to Barcelona (NurPhoto via Getty)

Atletico are said to be ‘confident’ that Alvarez will stay at the club and are already planning for next season with the Argentine as part of Diego Simeone’s squad.

Alvarez, who joined Atletico in an £81.5 million deal from Manchester City two years ago, is with Argentina’s squad for their World Cup campaign, which begins against Algeria on June 17.

More Trending

1. 

   Arsenal want to sign £100m midfielder ahead of Man Utd and Man City

   Channel: Football Football 1 day ago By Tony Mogan
2. Liverpool begin talks to sign £112m Man City target as Andoni Iraola's first transfer
3. Jose Mourinho tells Real Madrid to sign £80m Man Utd target
4. Man Utd put three players up for sale after £35m Ederson transfer

Atletico, meanwhile, are planning to strengthen Simeone’s squad ahead of the new season and are targeting a deal for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea are open to selling the Spain international but are looking for a €70m (£61m) transfer fee.

Atletico are also in the running to sign Bernardo Silva, who has left Manchester City, but they are aware that the Portugal international’s preference is to join Barcelona.

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes is also on Atletico’s midfield shortlist.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Arrow MORE: Liverpool plot move for Man Utd target to become first signing of Andoni Iraola era

Arrow MORE: Jose Mourinho tells Real Madrid to sign £80m Manchester United target

Arrow MORE: Marquinhos names Arsenal star as ‘the best in the world this season’

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign Up

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy