Julian Alvarez transfer twist as Arsenal offered Barcelona clause in potential Atletico deal

Julian Alvarez’s representatives have floated an extraordinary proposal to Arsenal that could allow the Atletico Madrid striker to eventually join Barcelona if the Gunners complete a deal for him, according to TEAMtalk.

The development comes as the Alvarez saga enters its final stages, with Atletico refusing to negotiate with Barcelona and Arsenal emerging as the most realistic alternative for the Argentina international.

Alvarez accepts Barcelona move is off for now

According to Marca, Alvarez trained again at Atletico’s training complex on Saturday while his teammates travelled to Sevilla. He is expected to return to group training at Atletico’s next session, potentially on Sunday.

Marca reports that Alvarez has accepted that his dream of joining Barcelona this summer has no chance of happening and is once again considering remaining at Atletico.

As things stand, the 26-year-old is expected to stay in Madrid unless he changes his position on a return to the Premier League.

That could leave Arsenal as the key remaining option.

Julian Alvarez to Arsenal? Secret Atletico talks revealed as £120m transfer twist emerges

Arsenal presented with unusual proposal

TEAMtalk understands that Alvarez’s representatives have maintained contact with Arsenal and have now raised the possibility of inserting a future Barcelona-specific release clause or mechanism into any potential agreement.

The idea would allow Alvarez to move to Camp Nou at a later date, preserving his long-term ambition while giving him a route out of Atletico this summer.

Such an arrangement would need to protect Arsenal’s substantial investment. The Gunners would reportedly seek to receive considerably more than their initial outlay if the clause were eventually activated.

TEAMtalk understands Arsenal would consider such a structure if suitable terms could be agreed.

The proposal illustrates the complexity surrounding a potential move. Alvarez is reportedly attracted to Arsenal’s sporting project, but Barcelona remains his preferred destination.

Julian Alvarez transfer twist as Atletico shut Barcelona door and Arsenal handed major boost

Atletico set £128m price

Atletico want to retain Alvarez, but their stance on Barcelona has become increasingly firm.

The club’s board recently confirmed there would be “zero consideration” of a transfer to Barcelona after president Joan Laporta reiterated the Catalan club’s interest.

Barcelona previously made a €100 million (£85.6 m) offer in June and have continued pursuing the forward.

TEAMtalk understands Atletico football director Mateu Alemany travelled to London last week as part of a delegation that met Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.

Alvarez was discussed during those talks, with Atletico indicating that €150m (£128.4m) would, in theory, be enough to secure his departure.

The clubs also discussed possible players moving in the opposite direction, with Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyokeres among the Arsenal forwards admired by Atletico.

Arsenal remain the clearest alternative

Paris Saint-Germain previously showed interest but have since strengthened their attack, while a return to Manchester City has reportedly been dismissed by Alvarez’s representatives.

Arsenal have therefore become the most credible destination outside of Spain.

However, Barcelona’s importance to Alvarez has led his representatives to explore ways of making an Arsenal move compatible with his longer-term ambition.

There is also another potential avenue being examined around Barcelona.

TEAMtalk understands that the Catalan club has considered whether Article 16 of Royal Decree 1006/1985, which governs the employment relationship of professional athletes in Spain, could provide a legal route for Alvarez to terminate his Atletico contract without paying his reported £500m release clause.

Such a process could potentially allow the player to register with another club before the final compensation figure was determined, although sources in Spain currently do not expect Barcelona to pursue that route.

Read More: Julian Alvarez transfer deadline set as Arsenal hope for breakthrough

With the transfer deadline approaching, Atletico’s refusal to deal with Barcelona leaves Arsenal with a potentially significant opening.

For now, however, Alvarez appears to have accepted that Camp Nou is unavailable this summer. The outstanding question is whether that changes his mind about Arsenal or whether he remains in Madrid for another season.