Barcelona admission could give Arsenal Julian Alvarez transfer edge

Arsenal couldn't sign Julian Alvarez this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal could hold a major advantage over Barcelona should they choose to reignite their pursuit of Julian Alvarez next year, having failed to sign the Atletico Madrid striker this summer. The Gunners were linked with a mega money move for the 26-year-old just a matter of weeks ago, with the Blaugrana providing stiff competition in their own pursuit.

While Alvarez is thought to have favoured a move to Barca, Atleti ultimately refused to do business with their La Liga rivals - handing Arsenal a major boost. Mikel Arteta was ultimately unable to convince Alvarez to join his project in North London, however, the Argentine remains in the Spanish capital until at least January, where he will attempt to repair a damaged relationship with fans after they revolted at the prospect of him leaving this summer.

Barcelona are understood to have made a formal approach to the tune of around £85m for Alvarez which was swiftly rebuffed by the Mattress Makers, who gave a fiery response when asked about the saga.

A statement read: "This is not about money, it's about dignity. The player is being victimised, but the only victim in the Julian case is us. They have harmed us economically and socially.

"There is 0% chance of selling him to Barca. There is a campaign of many lies and half-truths. The only one paying for this is Atletico."

Arsenal face Napoli in their opening Champions League fixture on September 9. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.

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Now, Barca sporting director, Deco, has opened up about the drama. Amid claims that Barcelona offered to pay for Alvarez in instalments over six seasons, he replied: "No, when we made the offer it was to pay over three seasons, like the rest of the clubs do. There are even some who pay us in five."

The fact that Barcelona were looking to pay for Alvarez over the course of three seasons could come as a major boost for Arsenal, should they look to sign the sensation in 2027.

Should Arsenal attempt a bid too good to refuse, paid in full, it could turn the heads of Atletico Madrid executives, especially considering how commonplace installment payments for transfers have become.

Whether Arsenal would be willing to do so, however, remains to be seen.

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While the Gunners have proven in recent history that they are not afraid to spend big on marquee names, their £75m deal for Bruno Guimaraes is understood to be on a payment plan.

As per Sports View, Arsenal will pay £25m in three installments for Guimaraes, rather than the full amount at once.

Meanwhile, Arsenal paid slightly above Martin Zubimendi's £51m Real Sociedad release clause last year to reach an agreement for instalments with the La Liga club, totaling £55m split into separate payments.

With a successful transfer of Alvarez potentially costing the club back at least £128m next summer - unless Atleti substantially drops their asking price - it is unknown whether Arsenal would be willing - or financially able - to pay the amount in full.

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