Atletico Madrid are trying to steer Julian Alvarez towards Arsenal over FC Barcelona, but the player and Barcelona remain committed to him joining them instead.
Fernando Polo reports for Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona are continuing to work quietly to try and sign a cnetre-forward, and they remain firmly committed to adding Julian Alvarez to their squad.
Alvarez has reportedly informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave this summer, and that Barcelona are his preferred destination.
For Atletico’s part, they aren’t completely opposed to Alvarez’s exit, but they’re trying to steer him towards Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal over Barcelona. Unfortunately, the player has been resistant to these efforts so far.
Alvarez’s firm resolve continues to give Barcelona hope that they might eventually complete the signing, in spite of Atletico’s reluctance.
Fellow Spanish outlet Cadena SER had previously reported that Atletico were determined now to sell to Barcelona, and that Arsenal were the only realistic option on the table, but Alvarez wouldn’t consider it. The forward reportedly doesn’t want to go to London.
As a result, key intermediaries involved in the situation are suggesting that the most likely scenario is that Alvarez will remain where he is for next season.
Atletico are reportedly very confident that Alvarez will stay, and they’re planning for next season under the assumption that the player will be in their squad.
Alvarez scored 20 goals and assisted nine in 49 games for Atletico this season, and he’s also Premier League-proven, given his successful spell with Manchester City.
Six of his 29 goal contributions this season also came in his five games against Arsenal and Spurs (though five of the six were against Spurs).
But if he’s not interested in returning to the Premier League, and if Atletico want nothing to do with Barcelona, there’s no obvious way for a transfer to happen.
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