Arsenal are pushing to complete a deal for Julian Alvarez before the transfer window closes, with the situation taking another unexpected turn after months of speculation.
The North London club remain determined to sign the Argentina international, despite the prolonged nature of the negotiations. A potential fee in the region of £128million has been discussed, though the transfer remains far from straightforward.
Alvarez, who previously played for Manchester City, has expressed his desire to depart Atletico Madrid. The Spanish club are unwilling to sell to a direct competitor, though Barcelona are also monitoring the situation and are considered the player’s preferred destination.
Following his public statements about wanting to leave the Metropolitano Stadium, Alvarez was greeted with jeers from the home supporters during Atletico’s 2-2 stalemate with Villarreal. The reception may have accelerated his desire to find a new club.
Spanish football analyst Jota Jordi made notable claims during an appearance on the El Chiringuito programme regarding discussions between Alvarez and Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin. According to Jordi, the pair met at the Amazonico restaurant, where an agreement was reached. He stated that the terms included a commitment for Alvarez to publicly declare his intention to leave during the World Cup, at the club’s request.
Jordi expressed the view that having a player subject to crowd criticism and underperforming, with mounting tension between the squad and supporters, was unsustainable. He questioned why the club would expect the player to remain silent after making such assurances.
Fellow analyst Damian Gonzalez offered a slightly different account, suggesting multiple meetings had occurred between Alvarez, Gil Marin and the player’s representatives. In his version, the announcement was planned for after the World Cup rather than during the tournament. He indicated that Atletico had communicated to Alvarez that they would assess any serious offers that came in.
Jordi responded by suggesting this revelation actually supported his version of events, arguing it demonstrated the club had promised to assist the player’s departure.