Arsenal have been pursuing Julian Alvarez throughout the summer transfer window, with a recent development increasing the London club’s prospects of landing the striker.
Julian Alvarez has been a long-standing target for Arsenal this summer(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, after the forward was jeered by his own supporters at the weekend.
While the 26-year-old was omitted from Diego Simeone’s starting lineup for Atleti’s La Liga match against Malaga on Wednesday, he was among the substitutes for Saturday’s home fixture versus Villarreal.
The majority of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano crowd erupted with loud boos and whistles when the Argentine’s name appeared on the big screen to reveal the team sheet, with Alvarez captured looking expressionless on the bench.
This follows Alvarez revealing his desire to assess other opportunities before next week’s transfer deadline, with interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, despite Atletico Madrid insisting he is not available for purchase under any circumstances.
Although Alvarez previously dismissed the possibility of returning to English football, sources suggest he is now becoming more receptive to joining Arsenal, particularly given that Atleti are unwilling to conduct negotiations with their league rivals Barca due to a strained relationship.
football.london has learned that Alvarez continues to be a primary objective for Arsenal, and with supporters making evident that the forward is unwelcome in the Spanish capital, the club may proceed with a move before deadline day.
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The Daily Mail states that Alvarez was left so taken aback by the hostility from Atletico Madrid supporters on Sunday that the possibility of moving to Arsenal is no longer being ruled out. The report notes that Atletico’s unwillingness to deal with Barcelona could force the striker toward the Emirates.
While Atletico Madrid originally required any interested parties to trigger Alvarez’s £427million buyout clause to have any chance of signing him, it is now claimed their valuation has decreased substantially.
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The Athletic recently disclosed that Atleti would consider doing a deal with Arsenal for approximately £128m.
That amount falls just short of a £130m bid lodged by Real Madrid ahead of the World Cup, though the situation has since shifted dramatically.
Alvarez, who entered as a 66th minute replacement for his parent club during their 2-2 stalemate with Villarreal and encountered a comparable reception to the one prior to kickoff, was accompanied from the pitch by club personnel at the final whistle.
Speaking after the game, Simeone clarified that the club had made that choice beforehand.
He stated that club officials informed him the club had determined Alvarez should not approach the stands or supporters. It was the club’s choice to keep him apart and separated so he could proceed to the dressing room.
He continued by saying he is not here to offer counsel. His responsibility is to focus on his job, which from a sporting perspective means giving his utmost for Atletico Madrid.
He added that the only thing he knows is that if Atletico Madrid want to claim a trophy, they must remain united, they must possess forwards, and they must have quality forwards. Achieving that requires collaborative effort from everyone regarding what is necessary.
The summer transfer window closes on Tuesday, September 1, meaning Arsenal will need to act promptly if they wish to secure Alvarez for the 2026/27 season.