Overview
- The Atlético board issued a unanimous statement on Thursday saying there has been and will not be any negotiation with Barcelona over Julián Álvarez’s transfer.
- The club said it remains open to normal market negotiations conducted professionally, which effectively leaves Arsenal as the primary realistic suitor if Álvarez wishes to leave.
- Atlético have been reported to value Álvarez at around €150m (circa £120–128m) and are said to be receptive to structured proposals or player swaps rather than a straight cash sale.
- Álvarez has publicly said he wants to leave and prefers Barcelona, he was booed by Atlético supporters after a substitute appearance and has missed training citing illness, making his personal choice the key remaining obstacle.
- With Álvarez under contract until 2030 and the transfer window closing soon, any move now depends on fast alignment between the player’s decision, Atlético’s price and Arsenal’s willingness to meet complex terms, which would also affect Arsenal’s plans for outgoing players and squad balance.