Mikel Arteta Calls Julian Alvarez in Arsenal Transfer Push London 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally contacted Julian Alvarez via telephone in a bid to persuade the Argentine striker to move to the Emirates Stadium.
• The Gunners are reportedly willing to include Viktor Gyökeres as part of a swap package offered to Atletico Madrid.
• Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and manager Diego Simeone maintain that Alvarez is essential, stating the club will reject offers up to £171 million (€200 million).
• Despite interest from North London, reports from El Desmarque state Alvarez has informed Arteta that his preference remains a move to Barcelona if he leaves Spain.
• Diego Simeone has confirmed that Alvarez will miss Atletico Madrid’s opening La Liga fixture against Malaga due to match fitness considerations.

Arsenal (North London News) August 18, 2026 – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has taken personal charge of the club’s attempts to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, making direct phone calls to the Argentine forward in a last-ditch effort to land his top transfer target before the deadline. As covered by news outlets following updates from Spanish publications El Desmarque and Mundo Deportivo, the North London club is attempting to capitalize on Atletico’s reluctance to sell to domestic rivals Barcelona, despite the player’s personal preference for Camp Nou.

Why is Mikel Arteta personally luring Julian Alvarez to Arsenal?

As reported by El Desmarque, Mikel Arteta contacted Julian Alvarez directly to express his desire for the 26-year-old forward to join Arsenal for the 2026/27 campaign. The report highlights that Arteta reached out again recently in an attempt to convince the former Manchester City striker that he would serve as the central pillar of Arsenal’s attack.

According to COPE, Arsenal’s final push includes offering Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres to Atletico Madrid as part of a potential player-plus-cash exchange. Arteta believes Alvarez’s familiarity with the Premier League, combined with his pressing capabilities and tactical versatility, makes him the missing piece in North London.

What has Julian Alvarez told Mikel Arteta regarding his transfer preferences?

As stated by El Desmarque, Julian Alvarez made his stance clear to Mikel Arteta during their conversations. The Argentine international reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to Atletico Madrid, while clarifying that should he depart the Metropolitano Stadium, his absolute priority is to join Barcelona.

The Guardian reported that while Alvarez remains keen on joining Barcelona, Atletico Madrid’s hierarchy—led by chief suit Miguel Angel Gil Marin—is reluctant to sell their star asset to a direct La Liga competitor, preferring a potential transfer to Arsenal instead.

What is Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone’s official stance on the deal?

As quoted by Marca and reported by Football.London, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone confirmed that Alvarez will not feature in their La Liga opener against Malaga. Explaining the decision, Simeone stated:

“I still think the same way. I take care of the sporting side. We’ve been talking as we always do. From a sporting perspective, we need more training sessions with him so he can improve. He’s one of the best attacking players… if not the best.”

Furthermore, The Independent highlighted that Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reaffirmed the club’s position by stating they would reject transfer offers reaching up to £171 million (€200 million) for the striker. Simeone supported this, emphasizing that Alvarez is the central figure around whom the squad is built.

Background of the particular development

Julian Alvarez completed a high-profile £63 million (€75 million) transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid in August 2024 to secure regular first-team football away from Erling Haaland’s shadow. Over two seasons in the Spanish capital, the forward established himself as a key contributor, scoring 49 goals in 106 appearances.

Speculation regarding his future intensified ahead of the 2026/27 season following Barcelona’s structured €100 million offer. As covered by Kompas, Atletico rejected Barcelona’s proposal due to its six-instalment payment structure. With Barcelona facing persistent financial fair play constraints and Atletico seeking to protect their domestic standing, Arsenal emerged as a primary suitor capable of providing immediate financial backing.

Prediction: How will this development affect Arsenal fans and squad dynamics?

If Mikel Arteta’s direct intervention fails to change Alvarez’s desire to join Barcelona, Arsenal risks exhausting valuable time in the final days of the transfer window. For the Gunners, missing out on their primary attacking target could leave the squad reliant on existing options, potentially straining forward depth during a demanding multi-competition season.

Conversely, should Atletico’s preference for an English sale force Alvarez to reconsider Arsenal’s offer, the arrival of a proven, Premier League-adapted striker would instantly elevate North London’s title ambitions. For Arsenal supporters, the resolution of this chase will signal whether the club possesses the requisite pulling power to secure world-class talent when competing directly against traditional Spanish giants.