Julián Álvarez inches closer to Arsenal move after Atletico Madrid snub rivals

Julián Álvarez is on the brink of an Arsenal switch after Atletico Madrid publicly shut the door on Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Gunners now hold the upper hand in the race for the Argentina striker, with the 24-year-old open to a move to north London this summer.

Atletico Madrid have told La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona they will not sell Álvarez to either club. The move follows months of public pressure from both Spanish giants, who have tried to unsettle the forward with their pursuit. Atletico responded by posting a series of social media messages criticising the behaviour of their rivals, a clear signal they are prepared to sell elsewhere.

The twist? Álvarez is now said to be open to joining Arsenal. The Gunners have long tracked the Argentina international, but the door looked closed until Atletico’s stance shifted. Arsenal’s hierarchy-manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta-have made Álvarez a priority for years, and the timing could not be better.

The World Cup semi-final goal Álvarez scored against a top-five opponent underlined his value. A £100m price tag once seemed a stretch, but Atletico’s refusal to deal to Madrid or Barca has forced their hand. The club’s social posts suggest they are willing to accept Arsenal’s bid if it meets their valuation, clearing the final hurdle for a deal that once looked impossible.

For Álvarez, a move to Arsenal would reunite him with Arteta, who coached him at Manchester City. It would also give him a clear path to first-team football under a manager who trusts his movement and pressing. The Argentina striker has never started a Premier League season as his club’s main striker-Arsenal could change that.

Arsenal must now finalise their other targets-Morgan Rogers and a midfielder-before turning their full attention to Álvarez. The Gunners have until the end of the transfer window to agree personal terms and complete the medical. Atletico’s social media campaign shows they are serious about not rewarding disruptive behaviour from rivals, leaving Arsenal as the only club with a realistic chance of landing the Argentina forward.

The Independent reports the next 48 hours will be decisive. If Atletico’s stance holds, Arsenal could pull off a coup that reshapes their attack for the 2026-27 season. For Álvarez, it would be a fresh start in a league where he has already proved he can score against the best.

The Gunners’ pursuit is no longer a fantasy. With Atletico’s rivals blocked and Álvarez open to the move, the pieces are in place for a blockbuster deal.