Arsenal Are Ready to Move for Julian Alvarez — Romano Reports

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal held a meeting with Atletico Madrid last Friday over a potential deal for Julian Alvarez, with the Gunners signaling financial readiness to reach an agreement before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Alvarez sits at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, but the Argentine forward has been pushing to join Barcelona. A move to Camp Nou has been firmly ruled out by Atletico, who have positioned themselves as the aggrieved party in the saga. Atleti fans have booed Alvarez following reports of his desire to join their Spanish rivals, yet the Madrid club remains open to selling him to Arsenal.

Romano: Arsenal Ready, Alvarez Yet to Open the Door

Romano outlined the current state of play, noting that the two clubs share a strong relationship and that the financial groundwork is in place. The remaining obstacle is Alvarez himself.

“I think Arsenal’s strategy is very clear, and it’s been clear now for almost one week, since last Friday, there was a meeting in London between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal are very clear on their position. They would be ready to do business with Atletico Madrid. The two clubs also share a very good relationship. So, financially, my understanding is that Arsenal would be ready to try and ready to reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid. So that would still require a negotiation.”

Romano added that a club-to-club agreement hinges entirely on the player’s decision.

“My expectation is for an agreement club-to-club to happen if Julian Alvarez decides to open doors. As of now, this could change any minute. But as of now, as of today, there is still no indication from Julian Alvarez, his agents, his family to change his mind and then go to Arsenal. So Arsenal are waiting.”

Arsenal’s Current Transfer Targets

• Julian Alvarez — player wants Barcelona
• Endrick — viewed as Alvarez alternative
• Marcus Rashford — Manchester United star under consideration

Why Alvarez Is Reluctant to Move to North London

The hesitation is not rooted in any lingering attachment to Manchester City or purely in his preference for Barcelona. According to Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Alvarez wants to stay in Spain for family reasons. His wife would accompany him to London, but his extended family would face significant difficulty relocating. That personal dynamic has made it hard for Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to close the deal on the 2022 World Cup winner.

His numbers in La Liga this season underline why Arsenal are so determined to pursue him.

Read also: Laporta Confirms Barcelona’s Pursuit of Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid

With deadline day approaching, Arsenal’s position is set — it is now Alvarez’s call. Stay with TipsGG for live coverage of every late transfer development.