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Arsenal’s top striker target now finally considering move

Julian Alvarez has finally accepted that Atletico Madrid won’t let him join Barcelona, and he’s now considering a move to Arsenal, according to a report.

MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 23: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 23, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Spanish outlet Marca report that Julian Alvarez finally sees that his only option to leave Atletico Madrid this summer is to join Arsenal, accepting that his current club won’t let him leave for Barcelona.

Alvarez has now missed two days of training in a row, informing Atletico that he’s unwell and unable to train.

But Marca report that everything that’s happened with Alvarez in the last few weeks is inviting him to think about a departure to Arsenal for the first time.

Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Jordan and Argentina at Dallas Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Miguel Delaney reported for the Independent on Wednesday that Atletico want the situation resolved by Friday, pushing the player into a decision.

One advantage that Arsenal have is that both Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus are reportedly appealing to the Madrid side, so the Gunners could organise a part-swap deal.

Delaney agreed that Alvarez’s view on an Arsenal move has softened, with the Gunners promising to play him in his best position and build their attack around him.

A shot of Julian Alvarez in an Atletico Madrid kit from below him. It is night
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

James Olley reports for ESPN that Arsenal are willing to surpass their club-record transfer fee (£105m for Declan Rice) to sign Alvarez, and the Gunners have positioned themselves to strike if the player shows a willingness to join.

That hasn’t necessarily happened yet, but it seems Arsenal are closer than ever to getting that approval.

Julian Alvarez raises his arm in celebration
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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