Arsenal’s pursuit of a world-class striker has taken plenty of twists over the last few months.
Julian Alvarez remains one of the dream targets on Andrea Berta’s shortlist, but convincing the Argentine to leave Atletico Madrid was always going to be difficult.
The biggest obstacle has never been the Gunners’ interest – it has been Alvarez’s desire to join Barcelona, a move he is reportedly still pushing for despite efforts from Atletico to steer him elsewhere.
Ironically, that could now play into Arsenal’s hands.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Atletico Madrid would rather sell Julian Alvarez to Arsenal than Barcelona
Alvarez’s future is becoming one of the biggest stories of the summer.
The striker remains highly valued in Madrid, but reports from Spain suggest there is now a genuine possibility of a transfer if the right conditions are met.
The issue for Atletico is not whether they are willing to listen to offers – it is where those offers come from.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez has informed Atletico that Barcelona is his preferred destination if he leaves the club this summer. The Argentine is said to favour a move to the Camp Nou above any other option currently on the table.
However, Atletico are said to be doing everything they can to prevent that outcome.
The report claims the Madrid club would much rather direct Alvarez towards Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain than strengthen one of their biggest domestic rivals.
That stance is hardly surprising as Barcelona remain a direct competitor for major honours in Spain, and helping them sign one of the best forwards in world football would be difficult for Atletico to justify.
For Arsenal, though, it is an encouraging development. If Atletico eventually decide to cash in, the Gunners could find themselves in a much stronger position than many initially expected.
What is the highest fee you would pay to sign Julian Alvarez for Arsenal?
Is he worth more than Declan Rice?👀
Arsenal still need Julian Alvarez to change his stance
The problem for Arsenal is that Atletico’s preference only solves half the puzzle.
Even if the Spanish club would rather sell to the Premier League champions, Alvarez still needs to be convinced that North London is the right destination for him.
That is why Berta has refused to walk away. Arsenal have been assured they will be kept informed if Alvarez’s position softens, and that keeps the door open for a deal.
At some point, however, Arsenal will need a definitive answer.
Alvarez would be a spectacular signing and arguably one of the few forwards capable of instantly elevating the team to another level.
But if Barcelona remains his only focus, the Gunners cannot afford to spend the entire summer waiting.
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