Julian Alvarez camp expect major Atletico U-turn after Arsenal rejection
Julian Alvarez’s representatives believe Atletico Madrid could reverse their stance and offer the striker to Barcelona when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Argentina international remained in Madrid beyond Tuesday’s deadline despite a turbulent summer in which both Barcelona and Arsenal attempted to secure his signature.
Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito TV now claims the player’s entourage expect Atletico themselves to approach Barcelona over a potential winter transfer.
The report adds that Barcelona believe they will have sufficient financial fair play capacity to complete the signing in January.
Such a development would represent a dramatic change in Atletico’s position following their emphatic refusal to negotiate with their La Liga rivals throughout the summer.
Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said last week that Alvarez would “never, ever” be sold to Barcelona and accused the Catalan club of acting without sufficient professionalism or respect during their pursuit.
Relations between the clubs deteriorated further after Atletico complained to the Spanish Football Federation over Barcelona’s alleged approach for Alvarez while he remained under contract.
The RFEF subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings concerning the alleged contacts, with Alvarez contracted to Atletico until 2030.
Arsenal had offered the 26-year-old an alternative route away from Madrid after retaining their interest throughout the summer.
Talks took place between the clubs at ownership level, aided by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta’s previous relationship with Atletico, but Alvarez’s preference remained Barcelona.
Alvarez rejected Arsenal despite being attracted to their sporting project, with his determination to join Barcelona proving decisive.
The Gunners subsequently turned their attention elsewhere as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sought another high-level attacking addition before the deadline.
Barcelona also moved on temporarily by signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal for around £8.6million after failing to prise Alvarez away from Atletico.
Alvarez must now reintegrate into Diego Simeone’s squad following a difficult summer in which he publicly expressed a desire for a transfer and was booed by sections of the Atletico support.
He has scored 49 goals and provided 17 assists in 107 appearances since leaving Manchester City for Atletico in 2024.
Whether Atletico’s position genuinely softens remains uncertain, but the latest claim suggests the transfer saga could resume when the January window opens.
For Arsenal, any renewed availability would also raise questions over whether the club might revisit their interest after failing to convince Alvarez to return to the Premier League this summer.
The post Julian Alvarez camp expect major Atletico U-turn after Arsenal rejection first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
