Atletico Madrid have told Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Julian Alvarez that the Argentina forward will not be allowed to leave during the January transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, the Spanish club’s decision ends months of speculation over Alvarez’s future and means any move for the 2022 World Cup winner will have to wait until the summer.
Arsenal’s summer pursuit ends in disappointment
Arsenal spent much of the summer monitoring Alvarez’s situation at Atletico Madrid, where uncertainty had surrounded the striker’s future and there had been a strong indication that he wanted to leave.
Barcelona was understood to be Alvarez’s preferred destination, but Atletico remained firmly opposed to selling him to their direct Catalan rivals.
Despite that stance, Atletico showed unexpected willingness to consider an approach from Arsenal. The English club held secret talks in London with Andrea Berta to explore the possibility of bringing Alvarez back to England.
Arsenal maintained regular contact with the player’s representatives and was aware that Barcelona remained his first choice. Although a move to north London was considered, Alvarez did not push strongly for the transfer to be completed during the summer.
The club continued discussions with his camp even after the transfer window closed, hoping he would become more receptive to a move elsewhere by January. That appeared to be happening, with Alvarez reportedly growing more open to leaving Atletico and Arsenal emerging as one of the leading candidates to sign him.
Atletico’s decision has now dealt a significant setback to Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal will need to consider alternative ways of strengthening its attack, while its interest in Alvarez remains unchanged and a potential move is postponed until the summer.
Implications for Gyokeres and PSG
The decision could also affect Viktor Gyokeres’ position. Any possible departure for the forward now appears more likely to be considered during the summer rather than in January.
Paris Saint-Germain have also maintained a long-standing interest in Alvarez, but they too will have to accept Atletico’s position.
The French club’s situation has been complicated by an injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that has ended the Georgia international’s season. However, sources within Paris Saint-Germain say manager Luis Enrique has no intention of signing a player simply as a temporary replacement for Kvaratskhelia.
That means the absence of Kvaratskhelia would not have changed Paris Saint-Germain’s stance on Alvarez, even if Atletico had been prepared to discuss a January transfer.
