Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez boost as Atletico make emphatic Barcelona decision
Atletico Madrid have publicly confirmed they will not negotiate with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez, potentially removing Arsenal’s biggest rival from the battle for the Argentine forward.
Atletico’s board unanimously backed the club’s stance on Thursday, declaring that there “has been and will be no negotiation” with the Catalan giants regarding Alvarez.
The Spanish club said they remain open to normal transfer-market negotiations when conducted “in an ethical and professional manner”, but accused Barcelona of failing to meet those standards.
Atletico have consequently closed the door on selling Alvarez to Barcelona despite the striker having favoured remaining in Spain if he leaves the Metropolitano this summer.
The announcement strengthens Arsenal’s position because the Premier League champions remain interested in bringing the 26-year-old back to England before the transfer window closes.
Atletico’s refusal to deal with Barcelona effectively leaves Arsenal as Alvarez’s only realistic escape route should he remain determined to leave.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta made another attempt on Wednesday to persuade Atletico to accept their proposal, but the response from Madrid was emphatic.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 26, 2026
Full footage—where he also addresses last Sunday’s incidents in Elche—is now on Barça Play.
https://t.co/RB716w5SIG pic.twitter.com/yjsteKjzT4
Sources close to Atletico described the possibility of Alvarez joining Barcelona as “zero per cent”, with the club unwilling to reconsider its stance, according to Sky Sports.
That position is significant for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as the club intend to remain in the race until the end of the window.
Arsenal’s difficulty has increasingly been convincing Alvarez rather than Atletico, with the former Manchester City forward previously prioritising Barcelona over returning to the Premier League.
However, Atletico have historically been more receptive to negotiating with Arsenal than Barcelona and their latest statement reinforces the distinction between the two potential destinations.
The Gunners have already demonstrated their willingness to pursue Alvarez deep into the window, with Sky reports indicating that they will not give up on signing him before the September 1 deadline.
There has also been uncertainty surrounding Alvarez’s relationship with Atletico supporters after he was booed during their 2-2 draw against Villarreal last weekend.
Atletico nevertheless ended their statement by expressing confidence that Alvarez will understand the decision and continue working towards the club’s objectives if he remains.
For Arsenal, the equation has now become considerably clearer.
Barcelona may remain Alvarez’s preferred destination, but Atletico have officially declared that they will not facilitate that move, leaving the striker with a major decision as Arsenal continue waiting in the wings.
The post Arsenal handed Julian Alvarez boost as Atletico make emphatic Barcelona decision first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
