Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has taken another difficult turn, with the Atletico Madrid striker reportedly refusing to engage with Mikel Arteta as he continues to prioritise a move to Barcelona.
The Gunners have been considering a huge late-window push for the Argentina international, but their stance has always depended on receiving encouragement from the player.
That encouragement has not arrived yet, and the latest reports suggest Arsenal may be facing another high-profile rejection.
Julian Alvarez did not answer the call from Arteta
According to El Chiringuito, Arteta personally attempted to contact Alvarez in an effort to sell Arsenal’s project to the 26-year-old, but the striker did not pick up the phone.
The claim has also been reported by GOAL, which says Alvarez remains focused on Barcelona and is reluctant to return to the Premier League at this stage.
That creates a major problem because Arsenal appear willing to spend heavily if the player gives them the green light.
The Times reported that Arsenal have renewed their interest and are prepared to pay more than £100m, while Atletico remain open to a substantial sale.
Should they chase a player who is not keen on joining?
From Arsenal’s perspective, this should probably be the point where caution takes over.
Alvarez would be an outstanding signing. He already knows the Premier League, scores consistently and offers the pressing intensity and versatility Arteta demands from his forwards.
But spending well over £100m on a player who clearly prefers Barcelona would be a dangerous move.
Arteta has often used personal conversations to convince major targets of his plans, so Alvarez declining to even engage is a meaningful signal if the report is accurate.
Arsenal should not need to persuade a record-level signing to want the transfer.
There is still time for Alvarez’s position to change, particularly if Barcelona remain unable to finance the deal. But Arsenal should only act if that change is genuine.
The Gunners have the money and sporting project to attract elite players. They do not need to become somebody’s reluctant second choice.
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Why oh why are we wasting our time and resources with this man? If he is not interested that is the end of who wants a player who wants to be somewhere else? Madrids problem not ours. We have a good (I didn’t say great yet) front man and with Kai and Mikel, we have options. Focus on a winger if Martinelli is considered not sufficient, (I think he is) but if that is the plan then start focusing there. Keep MLS and only loan Nwaneri. And get your finger out!
my thoughts EXACTLY! Why risk all that .oney, if he doesnt wa t to ne there he will disrupt a very strong team mentality. i would look at Kroupi in January
Arsenal are poised to create problems for themselves by waiting for this deal for too long. It’s looking childish. PSG walked away a long time ago and bought Torres.
Just buy Osimhen. The attack will experience fundamental issues without additions if Martinelli leaves.
The time is short why not explore the chances of engaging with Victor Osimhen now you always go where there is no road even tomorrow Julian Alvarez agree to join Arsenal what is the pride in it for me I will never be his fan already he is showing he is rude and that shows he hasn’t any manners at he will carry his rudeness to Arsenal for me he is bad blood already let’s forget him last season he was in Athletics when we beat the champion league quarter final what did he do Arteta is clamouring for him as if he is the best player but not at all because of him we have lost Gabriel Martinneli and you are putting a call to a player who snub your call how do you think he will respect your instructions or do you think we will praise that you are trying when you want to destroy the structure of the club please enough is enough he will do that bragging to coach like you of course he will not do that to coaches like Pep Gardiola,Louis Erieque, and Diego Simione of he is receiving from Diego Simione go and bring Gabriel Martinneli back Victor Osimhen and Victor Gyokere will bring much more goals than him he is braggart for me I don’t need him near Arsenal football club period.We must follow who knows the road.
Arteta should look elsewhere and keep Gyokeres. Alvarez is not the only good player in the world.
Whilst I’ve got very mixed feelings about moving Martinelli on, his replacement has to be a top quality winger and that should be the priority! Clearly makes no sense pursuing Alvarez when his heart is elsewhere, an overvalued price and Gyokeres deserves a fair shot! Yes added firepower is justified with the objective being the quadruple! So let’s spend wisely and get the right talent in the door possibly in the January window.
The reason Athletico Madrid wants him out of their club is what he has starting showing to Mikel Ateta, by rejecting his calls. Who is Alvarez for Ateta to stoop himself so low to such a low profile player like him? This is complete rudeness from Alvarez, and Ateta is reducing the club’s status. How can you waste your time on the player that is consistently telling the world that his wish is only to play for a single club of his choice? It looks like Ateta is sick in the brain!!
Arteta most forgot him