Arsenal have made significant progress in their bid to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, with sporting director Andrea Berta holding direct conversations with the player’s camp, according to multiple reports published on 26 July 2026. Journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for TEAMtalk, revealed that Arsenal are ready to move the moment Alvarez signals his willingness to join, with both personal terms and a club-to-club agreement expected to be straightforward.
The 26-year-old Argentine wrapped up last season in impressive form, contributing 20 goals and nine assists across 49 appearances in all competitions for Atletico. He is tied to the Spanish club until 2030, giving Atletico considerable leverage — but that has not dimmed Arsenal’s appetite.
Barcelona Remain Alvarez’s First Choice
The transfer picture is complicated by Barcelona’s involvement. According to Goal.com, Alvarez has made clear he wants to join the LaLiga champions and feels he was misled by Atletico’s hierarchy, who had suggested they would negotiate if a suitable offer arrived. Barca submitted a €100 million bid, which Atletico rejected outright without meaningful engagement. With a reported €500 million release clause in his contract, Atleti hold most of the cards.
Alvarez intends to force the situation. Goal.com reports he is planning a public statement or renewed direct talks with Atletico’s leadership before the end of July or early August. During the World Cup — held in the United States this summer — he had already made his desire to leave public, saying he had spoken to the relevant people at the club and believed a departure was in everyone’s best interest.
Barcelona, for their part, plan to submit no further offers unless Alvarez’s actions shift the deadlock. Atletico return to pre-season training under Diego Simeone on 10 August.
Where Arsenal Fit In
Arsenal’s position strengthens considerably if Barcelona walk away. Football365 reports that Atletico are more willing to sell to a club outside LaLiga — which works in the Gunners’ favour — and that Bailey indicated Arsenal believe they will ultimately land Alvarez once the Barcelona saga concludes. Atletico have reportedly communicated to Alvarez’s representatives that a move to Arsenal could be sanctioned this summer.
Arsenal are prepared to break the British transfer record if necessary. The current benchmark stands at the £125 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last year. However, Bailey noted an internal belief at Arsenal that any deal for Alvarez would likely come in below that figure.
Swap Deal Discussions and Alvarez’s Qualities
Atletico’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres has added a complicating layer to negotiations. Arsenal would reportedly prefer to include Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli in a deal rather than part with the Swedish forward. One account on social media platform X, citing journalist Gary Jacob, noted Arsenal were ready to offer Gyokeres in a swap arrangement. Atletico are already scanning the market for a striker should Alvarez depart.
Alvarez operates primarily as a centre-forward but can function on either flank. He is considered technically capable, with strong movement in tight spaces and a creative passing range to complement his finishing.
A note on the Goal.com report: it states that a potential swap involving Gyokeres collapsed and that Arsenal had shifted focus toward Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. That claim conflicts with other sourced reports showing Berta in active talks over Alvarez. Readers should note this discrepancy — the situation appears fluid. For more on the Vinicius standoff, see our piece Real Madrid Prepare Mid-Season Renewal Fallback as Vinicius Jr Standoff Continues.
Atletico Hold Firm, End of July Deadline Looms
Atletico have shown no sign of softening their stance regardless of who is asking. Whether it is Barca’s €100 million or Arsenal’s prospective bid, the Madrid club’s reluctance to weaken their squad is clear. The window is moving fast, and if Barca formally withdraw by the end of July as reported, Arsenal’s position becomes considerably stronger.
Alvarez has his peak years ahead of him at 26. The coming days will likely determine which club he lines up for next season.
