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Atletico Madrid have reportedly made a breakthrough in talks with Arsenal over the sale of Julian Alvarez, but the transfer is facing a major obstacle from the player himself. Although the two clubs have found common ground, the World Cup winner is said to be resisting a switch to North London because he is waiting for a move to Barcelona.

Arsenal move blocked by Alvarez's preference

In a dramatic turn in the summer transfer window, Atletico Madrid have, according to Mundo Deportivo, become open to allowing Alvarez to join Arsenal. The Spanish club are now believed to be ready to approve a transfer to the Emirates Stadium, potentially as part of a swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres, as Diego Simeone tries to sort out a situation that has become increasingly difficult at the Metropolitano.

However, the report says Alvarez is firm in his stance that he will leave the Spanish capital only for Barcelona, a club he sees as his "dream" destination. That position follows a summer of tension during which the former Manchester City forward made his feelings clear while away on international duty.

Barcelona end Alvarez chase

Even though the player is eager to move to Catalonia, Atletico's leadership have been much less willing to do business with a direct domestic rival. As a result, Barcelona have reportedly stepped back from their efforts to sign the attacker after the Rojiblancos rejected a major €100m (£86m) offer earlier in the transfer window.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has continued to take a firm public stance over the striker's price, insisting that his huge €500m release clause is the only route out. "We don't want to transfer him," Gil Marin said. "We didn't accept the €100m offer, nor will we accept one for €150m or €200m. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him."

Fans turn on unsettled star

The mood at the Metropolitano has worsened considerably as the transfer window moves towards its closing stages. During Atletico's 2-0 win over Malaga in the opening match of the 2026-27 La Liga season, Alvarez's absence prompted a reaction from the crowd that underlined the growing divide. A section of the home fans aimed whistles and hostile chants at the Argentine, who was left out of the matchday squad entirely by Simeone.

Simeone spoke about the matter after the game and did not try to avoid the tension. "I have great respect for our people," the manager said. "We are open - as we always say - to specific possibilities. You know this after 15 years, I always say that until the window closes, I am open to anything that might happen. That doesn't mean I'm talking about any specific individual, is that clear?"

Fitness concerns or transfer tactics?

Officially, Alvarez was not included in the squad because he was short of match fitness after his efforts with Argentina, where he reached the World Cup final. Explaining the decision, Simeone said: "We don't believe Julian Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow's game. Hopefully, over these next four days, he'll make further progress and we'll be closer to where we want him to be."

However, the timing of that omission, along with reports of an agreement with Arsenal, has caused plenty of discussion across Europe. Despite the manager's public confidence about putting together a strong squad, the truth is that the Argentine's future remains the biggest issue hanging over the club. With the deadline approaching, Atletico must now decide whether to push through the Arsenal move, respond to Barcelona's interest, or find a way to bring back into the fold a player who has clearly set his sights on leaving Madrid.