David Ornstein has finally broken his silence on the ongoing Julian Alvarez to Arsenal transfer saga, suggesting that the player is still not keen to join.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ornstein stressed that this situation could still change, but that for the moment the message from Alvarez to Mikel Arteta is that he doesn’t want the move to the Emirates Stadium.
See below for Ornstein’s update on the Alvarez saga, as he described what sounds like a pretty negative picture for Arsenal by suggesting they might just stick with what they’ve got for now instead of making other late moves…
"He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said he doesn’t want to come." ?@David_Ornstein with the latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
?? @OliviaBuzaglo | ? Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/VEYpXGynEq
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 29, 2026
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Alvarez is clearly the top target for Arsenal and they’re ready to pay whatever it takes to sign him from Atletico Madrid.
It seems the issue remains, however, that the Argentina international is reluctant to make the move back to England.
Arsenal target Matias Fernandez-Pardo as Julian Alvarez alternative
Our understanding is that Arsenal are yet to receive a clear response from Alvarez, but are exploring Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo as an alternative.
The Belgium international wants to leave Lille and is also a target for Newcastle United, but Arsenal could still get involved.
One imagines if there is a definite no from Alvarez soon, then AFC will move on to targeting Fernandez-Pardo instead, with the talented 21-year-old available for around £60m.
Interested clubs have previously seen that as a bit high, but Arsenal can’t afford to be too picky now as they surely need a replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, who is closing in on joining Al Hilal.
Clearly, Arteta is making a big mistake pursuing a player that is not sold on The Emirates project. He probably will eventually arrive halfheartedly and then he will be sulking through training ground sessions and on matchdays. That is a terrible behaviour to countenance. Arteta’s cerebral focus on him is denying the team an opportunity to build with other options equally capable of doing the job..
Alvarez is a professional footballer,he will give 100% when on the pitch.Dont confuse a favourite choice,with the only choice.
Never the less I personally think his family don’t want him to come to England again.
He really has put himself between a rock and a hard place.His advisors convinced him to push for Barca ,all he can do now is stay and repair his relationship with fans,or uproot his family and sign for Arsenal.
I don’t think this is over yet.