Arsenal handed major Julian Alvarez blow as Atletico Madrid rule out sale

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez have suffered a significant setback after Atletico Madrid publicly declared that the Argentina international is not for sale, insisting that even an offer worth €200 million (£170 million) would be rejected.

According to football.london, Arsenal have long admired Alvarez, with manager Mikel Arteta viewing the World Cup winner as one of Europe’s elite attacking talents.

However, the report states that any move was always expected to be difficult, and Atletico’s latest stance has made the prospect even more remote.

Atletico issue emphatic response

The strongest indication yet that Alvarez will remain in Madrid came from Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil, who delivered an unequivocal message regarding the club’s intentions.

Speaking in a video published across Atletico Madrid’s official social media channels, Gil stressed that neither the player nor any interested club should expect negotiations to take place this summer.

“My opinion is clear, the club’s will is clear, we have made it clear to the player, the agent, the president of Barça,” Gil said.

“I have no doubt that Atlético is the place in the world for Julián and that Julián is the perfect striker for Atlético de Madrid.”

The Atletico chief also dismissed suggestions that a record-breaking offer could change the club’s position.

“We want to continue counting on him. I recently heard the president say that the offer he made to Atlético de Madrid wasn’t unlimited, and the only possible response is that our response is unlimited.”

“We don’t want to transfer him; we won’t accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one for €150 million or €200 million.”

The statement follows Atletico’s reported rejection of a €150 million (£129 million) bid from rivals Real Madrid earlier in the transfer window, underlining the club’s determination to retain one of Diego Simeone’s key players.

Although Arsenal were not mentioned directly in Gil’s statement, football.london understands that Arteta has been a long-term admirer of Alvarez and views him as a forward capable of elevating Arsenal’s attack.

However, Atletico’s public stance effectively rules out a move for the 25-year-old unless there is a dramatic shift in circumstances before the transfer window closes.

Alternative plans already in place

With Alvarez appearing unattainable, Arsenal continue to evaluate other attacking options.

According to football.london, the club retains an interest in highly-rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi should they decide to strengthen through the middle.

For now, however, Arsenal’s primary focus remains the left side of their attack, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers continuing to head Arteta’s shortlist.

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The England international is viewed as the club’s priority target in that position, with Arsenal continuing to explore ways of reinforcing a squad aiming to build on recent domestic success.

While Alvarez remains one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, Atletico Madrid’s uncompromising position has delivered a clear message to Arsenal and every other interested club: the Spanish side have no intention of entertaining offers, regardless of the size of the fee.