Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid have once again reiterated that they aren’t selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona in a statement this afternoon.
At this point, it’s surely looking good for Arsenal, even if there is admittedly work to be done to convince Alvarez to move to the Emirates Stadium.
It is accurate that the Argentina international has prioritised Barca, but several industry insiders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, now expect that this saga will end with him becoming an Arsenal player.
To be clear, at the time of writing this is merely a prediction, but it does come from well-connected figures with an understanding of how similar major transfer sagas have played out in the past.
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Julian Alvarez won’t stay at Atletico Madrid
Atletico have made their stance clear by ruling out Barcelona, and that’s a message to the player as much as to their La Liga rivals.
“The members of Atlético Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona. The members of the Board of Directors are aware that: Atlético Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs. We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez,” Atleti said in an official statement today.
Julian Alvarez celebrates a goal for Atletico Madrid against Sevilla (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
One source familiar with what goes on behind the scenes in scenarios like this told me: “Atletico aren’t bluffing. They won’t go back on their word. And if I’m in Atletico’s position now I’m actively encouraging Julian Alvarez to accept an offer from Arsenal.”
Multiple sources feel it’s…
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