Julian Alvarez makes Arsenal transfer decision with £120m offer to be accepted
Julian Alvarez has his heart set on a move to Barcelona ahead of Arsenal if Atletico Madrid let him leave this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Argentina striker after he expressed a desire to leave Atletico.
Alvarez has been a key player for Diego Simeone's side since he left the Premier League in 2024 after two seasons with Man City.
Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil reiterated on Friday that the club have no plans to let him leave this summer.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Alvarez is prioritising a move to Barcelona ahead of any other club, with a return to England seeming unlikely.
Barca are refusing to give up on a move for his services, even though their first £100m offer was refused earlier in the summer.
Arsenal fall behind Barcelona in Julian Alvarez race
Viktor Gyokeres has failed to prove that he is the definite answer to Arsenal's striking problems despite helping them win the Premier League last season.
Mikel Arteta remains keen to capitalise on Alvarez's desire to depart Atletico, but Arsenal will have to do some real convincing to get a deal over the line.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Alvarez is going to cost in excess, probably, of £120 million. And it does seem the player himself has his heart set on a switch to Barcelona.
"I don't think he'd be overly keen on a move back to the Premier League as well, having left Manchester City."
Arsenal tracking Sol Gordon as Chelsea aim to agree new contract
Arteta placed his trust in several younger stars to help guide Arsenal to silverware last season.
They are looking to add another exciting talent to their ranks this summer, with Chelsea youngster Gordon on the Gunners' radar amid uncertainty over his contract situation.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea are trying to agree a new contract with Gordon as Arsenal aim to pounce this summer.
The 18-year-old registered 14 goals and six assists in 32 games for the Blues' under-18 side last season.