Even those closest to Julian Alvarez are none the wiser about his future.
That uncertainty will do little to dampen Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Atletico Madrid striker this summer.
Marcos Llorente, speaking on Partidazo Cope, was honest when asked about his teammate’s situation. “I don’t know, we don’t know anything. And honestly, even he probably doesn’t know at this point,” the Atletico midfielder said.
When asked whether he had put the question to Alvarez directly, Llorente admitted his relationship with Alvarez isn’t like that.
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“I don’t even have that kind of relationship with him to go and say: ‘Come on Julián, are you staying or leaving? Hurry up, what are you going to do, man? Everyone’s asking about you, because of you we’re getting all these questions from other teams and friends.’ I’m still missing that level of directness.”
Atletico are understood to want to keep Alvarez, but at the right price, everything is negotiable.
Arsenal remain firmly in the hunt for Julian Alvarez
Arsenal’s interest in Julian Alvarez is well established, with sporting director Andrea Berta — who oversaw Alvarez’s move from Manchester City to Atletico in 2024 — directly involved in any potential pursuit.
That inside knowledge of both the player and the club gives Arsenal quite the advantage in negotiations.
However, any deal for Alvarez will cost over £100 million, significantly more than the figures initially reported.
Barcelona remain the player’s preferred destination, but their reluctance to meet Atletico’s asking price keeps the door open for others.
Alvarez faced Arsenal in both legs of the Champions League semi-finals.
Despite being restricted by injury in the second, he showed exactly why he is so coveted, causing William Saliba and Gabriel problems throughout the first leg before being withdrawn.
Berta watched all of that from the Arsenal end, having built Atletico’s squad around him two years ago.
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