How Arsenal privately feel about their chances of signing Julian Alvarez this summer
The rumblings of Arsenal potentially signing Julian Alvarez before the end of the window are getting louder.
The Argentina star has made clear from the outset that his preferred destination would be Barcelona.
But Atletico Madrid have been equally clear that they aren’t willing to sell to their domestic rivals under any circumstances.
That has left Alvarez in a precarious position, whistled by his own fans, unsettled, yet unable to get the move he wants.
Arsenal have been watching from a distance throughout, playing the waiting game.
And now, according to Fabrizio Romano, their internal feeling is becoming clearer.
Arsenal believe they can reach an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez
Arsenal believe they can reach an agreement with Atletico on the fee, in what would surely be the Gunners’ biggest statement signing since Mesut Ozil.
But the financial side of a deal, reported to be in the region of £128million, is not the obstacle here.
The ownership have already shown they are willing to pay big money if it’s for the right player with the Vinicius Jr pursuit.
And funds from outgoings are beginning to materialise, most notably from Gabriel Martinelli’s anticipated £50million-plus move to Al-Hilal.
The potential stumbling block is Alvarez himself.
As Romano puts it, Arsenal will only bid if Alvarez decides to open the door to the move. His stance is the key factor, and so far, he has only wanted Barcelona.
As of writing, there are seven days left until the transfer window closes on 1 September.
If the move to Barca can’t happen — and there’s no sign to indicate that it can this summer — would Alvarez not consider Arsenal?
He’s been in the Premier League before, of course — won it even. And he would be joining the champions of England and the Champions League runners-up as the ‘main man’.
That is surely an enticing proposition for him, rather than staying at a club where you aren’t even wanted by sections of the support.
We’re bound to find out whether a move for Alvarez is actually possible in the coming days.
