Arsenal Sustain Julián Álvarez Transfer Interest as Barcelona Pursue Striker
LONDON — Arsenal have sustained their interest in a summer move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, according to a report published by Yahoo Sports on Thursday, complicating Barcelona's pursuit of the Argentina forward as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
By Source Reporters Newsdesk
Fri, 17 July 2026 · 1 min read
LONDON — Arsenal have sustained their interest in a summer move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, according to a report published by Yahoo Sports on Thursday, complicating Barcelona's pursuit of the Argentina forward as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Per English transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, cited by Yahoo Sports, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta remains in contact with Atlético Madrid over Álvarez. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his preference to join Barcelona, who have made him their priority target and tabled a bid that remains active, Yahoo Sports reported.
Atlético do not wish to sell but are reportedly more inclined to negotiate with a non-La Liga rival — a stance that could benefit Arsenal if a bidding contest develops. It remains unclear whether Álvarez's own wishes will prove decisive in any eventual transfer.
## Arsenal and the Julián Álvarez Transfer Race
Barcelona have prioritised a proven striker to succeed Lewandowski, and Álvarez has been repeatedly linked with an exit from Madrid throughout the 2026 window. Arsenal's continued exploration of the deal inserts a Premier League rival into what Barcelona had framed as a two-club negotiation.
The saga underscores how Premier League spending power continues to disrupt the recruitment plans of Europe's traditional powers during the summer market.
**Sources**
- https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/arsenal-continue-meddle-barcelona-transfer-203500578.html
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