Arsenal face transfer deadline as Barcelona ‘prepare first bid’ for £108m star

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Arsenal face a tight deadline in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez as Atletico Madrid push for a quick resolution to the Argentine forward’s future ahead of the World Cup.

The 25-year-old is expected to leave the Spanish capital this summer, just two years after his £81million move from Manchester City. Atletico have reportedly set Alvarez a deadline to sort out his future, with Diego Simeone keen to avoid disruption to his squad’s pre-season preparations.

Barcelona lead the race despite Arsenal interest

According to The Independent, Atletico are demanding €125million (£108million) for Alvarez, with Paris Saint-Germain willing to meet that asking price. However, Barcelona appear to be leading the race for his signature.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Barcelona are preparing their first bid for Alvarez following discussions with the player’s representative. The Catalan club’s interest comes after they secured a £70million deal for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon earlier this week, potentially taking their summer spending close to £200million.

Arsenal’s connection to Alvarez runs deeper than recent speculation. The club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, was instrumental in negotiating the forward’s original move to Atletico while working for the Spanish side before joining Arsenal last year.

World Cup timing adds pressure

The urgency surrounding Alvarez’s situation is heightened by the approaching World Cup, which begins in just over two weeks. Mundo Deportivo suggests the forward will resolve his future before the tournament kicks off, giving interested clubs a narrow window to complete any deal.

Arsenal reportedly considered a move for Alvarez last summer before ultimately signing Viktor Gyokeres. The north London side’s interest remains genuine as they look to strengthen their attacking options for the upcoming campaign.

Alvarez has four years remaining on his current Atletico contract but reportedly rejected the club’s recent extension offer. His impressive record since leaving Manchester City – where he won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League – has made him one of the most sought-after forwards in European football.

The tight timeline presents a significant challenge for Arsenal, who must compete with PSG’s financial muscle and Barcelona’s apparent appeal to the player. With Simeone eager to finalize his squad ahead of the new season, the coming days will prove crucial in determining Alvarez’s next destination.