Arsenal have reopened direct talks with Atletico Madrid as Mikel Arteta continues pursuing Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Argentina international remains one of Arsenal’s leading attacking targets after another productive season in Spain.
Alvarez scored 20 goals and supplied nine assists across all competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.
He also struck ten times in the Champions League and remained central to Diego Simeone’s plans.
However, an ankle injury disrupted the closing weeks of his domestic season before the World Cup began.
Julian Alvarez initially managed that problem from the bench but gradually became more influential for Argentina.
His extra-time goal against Switzerland then secured Argentina’s place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Meanwhile, speculation around his club future intensified after he publicly expressed a desire to leave Atletico.
Barcelona remain his preferred destination and have already submitted an offer worth more than €100 million.
Arsenal have continued pushing despite reports that Alvarez does not want to return to the Premier League.
Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest, although the forward reportedly prefers to remain in Spain.
Atletico have resisted every approach and recently rejected a €150 million offer from Real Madrid.
The Spanish club have also complained about Barcelona’s pursuit as tensions around the transfer continue rising.
According to Di Marzio journalist Luca Bendoni, Arsenal have now held fresh direct talks with Atletico Madrid over Alvarez.
However, Bendoni reports that the two clubs still disagree significantly over the forward’s valuation.
Atletico’s reluctance to strengthen Barcelona could potentially help Arsenal if negotiations progress further.
However, the Gunners must still decide whether they will meet Atletico’s financial demands this summer.
Arsenal are also pursuing Morgan Rogers and Bruno Guimaraes during an ambitious transfer window.
There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine. W/@HandofArsenal #AFC
Per @SkySportsLyall FC Barcelona are still heavily involved on the topic. pic.twitter.com/I9h0sL4RPM
— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) July 14, 2026
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