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Atletico Madrid are reportedly preventing forward Julian Alvarez from making a move to Barcelona, which has now put Arsenal at the front of the queue to sign the Argentine international.

According to Standard Sport, Julian Alvarez has been on Mikel Arteta’s radar for quite some time. The Arsenal manager had considered making a move for the World Cup-winning striker last summer before opting to pursue Viktor Gyokeres instead.

A year later, Arsenal could revive their pursuit of Alvarez, who is expected to depart Madrid this summer, two years after joining Atletico from Manchester City in a transfer valued at approximately £81 million.

It was Atletico’s former sporting director, Andrea Berta, who orchestrated that move before later taking up a role in north London with Arsenal.

Barcelona continue to hold a strong interest in Alvarez and are seen as the main competitors to Arsenal in the race for his signature.

However, reports suggest Atletico Madrid have decided not to entertain negotiations with Barcelona, growing frustrated with the ongoing speculation in the Spanish media over the player’s future.

Spanish outlet RAC1 revealed on Tuesday that Barcelona submitted an opening offer worth €100 million (£86.4 million), which Atletico rejected. The club reportedly remains firm in its decision to block any transfer to Camp Nou.

This development leaves Arsenal in a commanding position. The report also mentions that the Gunners have already initiated contact with Alvarez’s agent, with Atletico now awaiting formal discussions.

Atletico have apparently set their asking price at €150 million (£129.6 million), an amount that would make Alvarez the most expensive signing by a British club, surpassing the £120 million Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak last summer.

A source inside Atletico told Libertad Digital about the growing interest in the forward: “Two weeks ago it was PSG, last week it was Barcelona, and now it’s Arsenal. We are counting on Julian for next season.”

In preparation for a potential departure, Atletico have already begun exploring replacements. Spanish publication AS reports that the club has made an enquiry about Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen joined from Galatasaray last summer in a deal worth £63 million after a successful loan spell, making him a viable option should Alvarez leave the Spanish capital.