Julián Álvarez is still very much part of Atlético Madrid’s first-team picture, having played 24 minutes in the 2-2 La Liga draw with Villarreal on 23 August. That leaves his next step finely balanced: Arsenal could become a live option if he is ready to push for a move, while Barcelona remain in the background despite Atlético’s firm resistance to any deal with a domestic rival.
- Arsenal have done the groundwork on a potential move, but Álvarez would need to show he wants the switch before serious talks or a formal offer can materialise.
- Barcelona’s interest remains alive through the rest of the summer window, yet Atlético have publicly ruled out selling him to a domestic rival.
- If no move happens before the deadline, the situation could easily carry over into the winter window.
Julián Álvarez’s Current Situation
Julián Álvarez remains an Atlético Madrid player and an active one. His recent appearance against Villarreal underlined that, and his recent league record also points to a player still operating at a high level, with eight goals and four assists in 29 La Liga appearances. He has also contributed in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, which helps explain why any move would need to be the right one rather than a rushed exit.
Arsenal’s interest fits that profile. The London club have already done the background work on a possible deal, but things have not yet reached the stage of a formal offer or advanced negotiations. Their route only really opens if Álvarez decides he is ready to buy into Mikel Arteta’s project. His previous Premier League return of 11 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances during the 2023-24 season adds plenty of logic to that prospect, but for now, it remains just that: a possibility.
Barcelona’s Difficult Route to Álvarez
Barcelona are still part of the picture because they see Álvarez as a possible long-term answer following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The hurdle, however, is significant. Atlético have taken a very firm public stance on any sale to Barcelona, making it clear there is a zero per cent chance of letting him join a direct domestic rival.
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has pushed that stance even further by stating Álvarez would not be sold even for €200m. Atlético have also framed the issue as a matter of pride rather than money, which highlights why this route looks so complicated, even while Barcelona’s interest remains active. Álvarez has been more strongly linked with staying in Spain if he does leave, but that still falls short of a settled outcome.
What Happens Next for Álvarez
A summer move could come into play if Álvarez opens the door to Arsenal, while staying at Atlético remains the default if nothing develops before the deadline.
Álvarez has already said that a transfer could be best for everyone and that he wants to fulfil his dream. If no summer route emerges, the situation may simply pause rather than end, leaving the door open for the winter window.
