Reports in Spain say Julian Alvarez did not answer a personal phone call from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, in what has been interpreted as a clear indication that the Atletico Madrid forward is not interested in moving to the Premier League club.
The claim was made by Josep Pedrerol on Spanish television programme El Chiringuito, with the presenter saying Arteta had contacted Alvarez directly to discuss Arsenal’s project and try to persuade him to join the Gunners.
However, according to Pedrerol, the Argentina international did not take the call. The development has prompted debate over whether Alvarez’s decision was disrespectful towards Arteta or instead reflected his determination to play for Barcelona.
Pedrerol reported the exchange on social media with the following wording:
“ARTETA llamo a JULIAN… y NI LE COGIO EL TELEFONO”.
He also said Barcelona continue to believe they can complete a deal for Alvarez before the transfer window closes. The Catalan club reportedly hopes Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin will eventually soften his refusal to sell the striker and approve a move to Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s confidence is based on the belief that Atletico is not Alvarez’s preferred destination. They consider the player’s desire to wear the Barcelona shirt a key factor that could still influence negotiations.
The latest reports add to one of the most closely followed transfer sagas in Spanish football. Alvarez has previously made clear that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid, but the club’s hierarchy has rejected that possibility.
Gil Marin has repeatedly insisted that Atletico will not sell the forward regardless of the size of any offer. He has said the Madrid club has already turned down substantial bids and that Alvarez is not available for transfer.
Barcelona has also been accused by Atletico of failing to show sufficient respect during the negotiations. Gil Marin is understood to believe the Catalan club attempted to apply pressure through the media in an effort to force the deal through.
Despite Atletico’s firm public position, Barcelona continues to monitor the situation. The club is hoping the Madrid side’s stance changes before the end of the transfer window, while relying on Alvarez’s reported preference for a move to the Catalan club.
Pedrerol summarised Barcelona’s position in another social media message:
“El Barca confia en que Gil Marin se coma el orgullo… y les venda a Julian”.
For now, Atletico’s official position remains that Alvarez is not for sale, while Arsenal’s reported approach has apparently failed to produce a direct conversation with the player. The contrasting positions leave Barcelona hoping that Alvarez’s wishes can eventually overcome Atletico’s refusal to negotiate.
