According to Sport, Arsenal are worried that Barcelona will beat them to the signing of Julian Alvarez after learning that the Atletico Madrid striker is changing his agent. Sport reported that Alvarez is very close to signing with Pablo Barquero.
Agent change
According to TEAMtalk, Alvarez has decided to part ways with agent Fernando Hidalgo.
Arsenal interest remains
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal were willing to pay over £100million for Alvarez in the 2026 summer transfer window. TEAMtalk said interest from Arsenal in Alvarez remains.
Barcelona preference
According to TEAMtalk, Alvarez only wanted to join Barcelona in the summer of 2026, but Atletico refused to sell him to Barcelona.
Bailey's update
TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey said: "Sources have told us that Alvarez’s camp have held detailed discussions about his future in recent weeks, including the reality that there are only a limited number of destinations capable of satisfying his ambitions if he decides to leave Atletico. And, significantly, Arsenal are now emerging as his first-choice alternative to Barcelona."
Bailey added: "The Gunners have already demonstrated their willingness to spend heavily on the striker and maintain a strong relationship with Atletico following Berta’s discussions with the Spanish club. Now, with Alvarez’s thinking shifting and Barcelona’s ability to accommodate him becoming less certain, Arsenal have been handed renewed hope of completing a deal."