They never learn, or they know something! Arsenal prepare another assault on Atlético's crown jewel
One of the summer's most dramatic transfer sagas is officially not over: Arsenal are loading up for another run at Julián Álvarez.
Details: Arsenal have not given up on Julián Álvarez and remain keen on the Atlético Madrid striker. The Gunners are planning a fresh attempt to sign the Argentine when the transfer window reopens in January, with Álvarez still high on their list of attacking targets.
The saga has more layers than most transfer stories dare to dream of. Arsenal pushed hard in the summer, with a package reportedly worth 128 million pounds discussed and direct talks between Álvarez and Mikel Arteta, but the Argentine ultimately told the Gunners boss he did not want the move, his heart set on Barcelona instead. Atlético, however, slammed the door on the Catalans, demanding around 150 million euros that Barça simply could not pay, and the striker, who had even refused to train with the group at the height of the standoff, was reintegrated by Diego Simeone. He has responded like a professional: the World Cup winner, who scored 27 goals in 50 games last season and became the first Atlético player ever to hit double figures in a single Champions League campaign, started at Anfield in Europe last week. Arsenal's renewed hope rests on a simple premise: if Álvarez's situation in Madrid turns sour again, the Gunners want to be first in the queue when January opens.
It's worth noting that Álvarez joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024 for around 95 million euros, meaning any January deal would require the Spanish club to make a significant profit on their record signing.
Reminder: Back from the brink! Alvarez starts at Anfield weeks after failed Barcelona move.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
