Julian Alvarez 'wants nothing to do with Arsenal' as Spanish media give four reasons why
Julian Alvarez reportedly has four reasons as to why he doesn't want to join Arsenal(Image: © 2026 SOPA Images)
Arsenal's pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez appears to be faltering. Mikel Arteta has chased the ex-Manchester City striker for much of the summer, despite the Argentinian supposedly agitating for a move to Barcelona, and only has until 11pm tonight (Tuesday) to seal a deal.
It's been claimed that the 26-year-old doesn't actually want to join Arsenal, however, with four reasons given. According to Spanish publication Sport, the striker's dream of playing for Barcelona, his worries about adjusting to the Arsenal squad, his family's legal situation and his loyalty to former club City round out his concerns.
The outlet says the first and most important reason for Alvarez's reluctance to move to north London is purely personal as he wants to fulfil his lifelong sporting ambition of playing for Barca. The Argentine regards the Catalan giants as his main objective should he eventually leave Atletico.
READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Arsenal explore incomings and outgoings!
The second point is Alvarez's concerns about assimilating into the Arsenal dressing room. Should he move to the Emirates Stadium he would not currently find a core group of fellow Argentinians who might help facilitate his arrival.
In fact, he would be playing alongside several Brazilian players, including Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes. Brazil are Argentina’s fierce rivals at the international level and for a player with such dense ties to his country, this is yet another factor, according to Sport.
His worry about too many Brazilians could be eased with the departures of Gabriel Jesus, who is set to leave Arsenal for Barcelona, and Gabriel Martinelli, who is poised to join Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia before the transfer deadline passes.
Julian Alvarez has been linked with a late move to Arsenal(Image: PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU, AFP via Getty Images)
The third reason relates to his family situation and the struggles he faced while living in England. During his time in Manchester, there were said to be difficulties with the immigration status of certain family members and he's worried such issues could rear their head after they were not fully resolved.
Finally, the fourth factor is his connection City. Alvarez spent two seasons at the Blues between 2022 and 2024 and is believed to harbour a 'deep respect' for the club that helped make his name in European football.
Alvarez won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League at in Manchester. The Spanish publication says the striker considers signing for one of City's main domestic rivals highly unappealing, given he would have to face City regularly.
Despite being booed by his Atletico fans last week, Alvarez trained with the La Liga side on Tuesday as time runs out for Arsenal to make a sensational move. However, his reintegration by Atleti boss Diego Simeone and the aforementioned reasons suggest he is staying put, for now.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
