Arsenal’s Julian Alvarez Bid Thwarted by Barcelona Preference

Key Points

• Arsenal are preparing a major summer transfer push for 2026–27, targeting Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez to bolster their attack amid mixed results from current options like Viktor Gyokeres.
• The Gunners, leading the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, are “prepared to break the bank” with offers exceeding €100 million, possibly including player-plus-cash deals.
• New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, formerly of Atletico Madrid, is driving interest through exploratory talks with Alvarez’s representatives.
• Julian Alvarez, 26-year-old Argentina international under contract until 2030 with a €500 million release clause, prefers a move to Barcelona over Premier League clubs.
• Barcelona see Alvarez as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski; president Joan Laporta admires him since his Manchester City days, and Alvarez is a lifelong fan idolising Lionel Messi.
• Reports indicate Alvarez is unhappy with Atletico’s competitiveness, especially after a 4-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal, pushing him closer to Barcelona in summer 2026.
• Atletico Madrid demand €150-200 million minimum, with no intention to sell cheaply to rivals; they view Alvarez as foundational.
• Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also monitor, but Barcelona remains priority despite financial woes; Alvarez’s agent denies current meetings but notes his Barca affection.
• Spanish media like Sport and Fichajes report Alvarez willing to lower wages for Barca; Atletico president Enrique Cerezo states he is “not for sale”.
• David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed Arsenal’s prior interest; Ben Jacobs reported Deco met Alvarez’s reps.

North London, Arsenal (North London News) February 6, 2026 – Arsenal face a significant setback in their summer transfer ambitions as Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez reportedly favours a move to Barcelona over the Gunners.

Why Is Arsenal Targeting Julian Alvarez?

Arsenal, currently topping the Premier League and vying for multiple trophies under Mikel Arteta, seek to enhance their attacking prowess ahead of the 2026–27 season. As detailed by NowArsenal.com, the club has invested heavily but requires a high-profile forward for cutting edge, with Viktor Gyokeres underperforming on goals despite high expectations.

Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director with deep La Liga ties from his 12-year Atletico stint, leads the pursuit. According to ESPN, Berta has leveraged his connections for exploratory talks with Alvarez’s camp to test Premier League interest.

Reports from Spain, cited by NowArsenal.com, position Alvarez as the long-term fix for Arsenal’s frontline inconsistencies.

What Makes Julian Alvarez Barcelona’s Preferred Choice?

Barcelona view Alvarez as Robert Lewandowski’s ideal successor, with president Joan Laporta admiring him since Manchester City days.

Catalan outlet Sport, as aggregated by TransferFeed.com, notes Laporta and sporting director Deco aim to exploit Alvarez’s lifelong fandom and idolisation of Lionel Messi to lure him from Atletico.

As reported by Fichajes via TransferFeed.com, Alvarez has privately signalled intent to join Barcelona in summer 2026, seeing it as career-elevating, and is open to wage cuts despite a massive €140 million-plus fee between rivals.​

TEAMtalk, per TransferFeed.com, confirms Barcelona as Alvarez’s top destination, though his reps explore alternatives due to Barca’s finances.​

How Did Atletico Madrid’s Champions League Loss to Arsenal Influence Alvarez?

Spanish media, including Sport as per TransferFeed.com, claim Atletico’s 4-0 Champions League thrashing by Arsenal has heightened Alvarez’s unhappiness, drawing him nearer to Barcelona. The outlet states the match underscored Atleti’s lack of competitiveness despite €175 million summer spending.​

Ben Jacobs, cited on TransferFeed.com, revealed Deco personally met Alvarez’s representatives recently, discussing a €200 million tag amid Alvarez’s disappointment.

El Nacional, via TransferFeed.com, echoes that the defeat propelled Alvarez towards the Blaugrana, though no January action, targeting summer.​

What Is Atletico Madrid’s Stance on Selling Julian Alvarez?

Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, deem Alvarez non-transferable. SI.com reports a €500 million release clause as non-negotiable, with the club relaxed, viewing agent moves as profile-boosting for salary hikes or extensions.​

President Enrique Cerezo told Sport, as per TransferFeed.com:

“Julián has a contract to fulfil, is a player the club wants, and he wants to stay… we are not open to negotiating.”​

Matteo Moretto via TransferFeed.com notes Atletico won’t sell below €80-90 million without player demand or massive bids, considering him foundational.​

Who Else Is in the Race for Julian Alvarez?

Chelsea monitor closely, per NowArsenal.com and Mirror.co.uk, while Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have shown past interest. David Ornstein of The Athletic, on Sky Sports’ Transfer Show via TransferFeed.com, confirmed Arsenal’s summer considerations, joining Barcelona in the fray.

Football.London reports Barcelona as Alvarez’s preference, but Arsenal must convince him to return to England; Chelsea adds pressure.​

TransferFeed.com aggregates Chelsea and PSG alongside Barca admirers.​

What Do Key Figures Say About the Transfer Speculation?

Julian Alvarez addressed rumours in L’Equipe via TransferFeed.com:

“I see what people say on social media… I am currently focused on Atletico and the situation will be reviewed at the end of the season.”​

His agent Fernando Hidalgo to EremNews, per TransferFeed.com, denied Deco meetings:

“Any club interested should contact Atletico’s management… it is not true.”​

Gary Lineker stated via TransferFeed.com he knows Alvarez is “not completely satisfied” at Atletico.​

Fabrizio Romano via TransferFeed.com quoted Alvarez clarifying focus on Atletico post-strong form:

“Interest from top clubs is normal… now Barcelona rumours.”​

Could Barcelona’s Financial Issues Derail the Deal?

Barcelona’s woes are central. Sport via NowArsenal.com notes Alvarez prioritises Camp Nou if finances allow meeting Atletico demands.

TransferFeed.com details: Deco eyes Alvarez but €200 million unfeasible; need La Liga 1:1 rules compliance, Lewandowski exit freeing €38.5 million, plus sales.​

ESPN via TransferFeed.com calls it “impossible” due to clause and Atletico stance.​

What Role Does Andrea Berta Play in Arsenal’s Pursuit?

Berta’s Atletico history is pivotal. Yahoo Sports and BarcaBlaugranes.com report he could ease negotiations with Simeone’s side post his Arsenal switch.

NowArsenal.com credits Berta for driving discussions, gauging openness.​

Has Alvarez Expressed Personal Views on Barcelona?

Alvarez told Marca via TransferFeed.com:

“I am aware of constant links with Barça… I try not to pay much attention… focused on growing at Atlético.”​

To ARA, midfielder Marc Bernal named Alvarez as his priority signing.​

Agent Hidalgo on El Chiringuito: “Alvarez has admiration for Spanish clubs and feeling for Barca.”​

What Are the Potential Transfer Fees and Structures?

Fees vary: €100-200 million cited. Mirror.co.uk and Football365.com note Arsenal’s bank-breaking intent.

TransferFeed.com mentions swaps like Gavi/Casado or player-included deals; Atletico flexible at €100 million if Alvarez pushes, per rumours.​

SI.com insists €500 million clause for non-negotiables.​

When Might a Move Happen?

Consensus targets summer 2026. TransferFeed.com reports Alvarez postponing until then; no January due to finances and priorities.