Barcelona target Julian Alvarez speaks to Mikel Arteta but refuses to open door to Arsenal transfer

Barcelona target Julian Alvarez speaks to Mikel Arteta but refuses to open door to Arsenal transfer Arsenal’s hopes of signing Barcelona target Julian Alvarez appear to be fading, with David Ornstein reporting on TNT Sports that a move to the Emirates Stadium is currently considered unlikely. The journalist mentions that the Argentine forward has spoken directly with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about a potential transfer but has made it clear that he does not want to join the north London club.  Despite Atletico Madrid and Arsenal potentially being willing to discuss a deal, the crucial obstacle is the player’s own stance. Alvarez has shown no willingness to seriously entertain a move to Arsenal and is said to be struggling with and confused by his current situation. That leaves Arsenal unwilling to take the next step, and the club will not open negotiations unless Alvarez demonstrates significant interest in becoming part of Arteta’s project. Alvarez speaks to Arteta Alvarez has told Arteta he does not want to play for Arsenal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Contact between Alvarez and Arteta has taken place, but the conversation has not resulted in a breakthrough. The forward has communicated his reluctance to move to Arsenal, meaning the club’s position has not changed.  Arsenal believe a transfer remains unlikely and are not prepared to push ahead with formal negotiations simply because an agreement with Atletico Madrid could potentially be possible. The main reason why Alvarez is not willing to accept a move back to the Premier League is that he wants to join Barcelona, although that door has been closed by Atletico. Barcelona dream remains blocked Atletico have restricted Alvarez’s dream move to Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Alvarez’s reluctance to join Arsenal comes against the backdrop of a difficult period at Atletico Madrid. His future has become increasingly complicated amid strong links with Barcelona, the club that was viewed as his preferred destination.  Atletico, though, have made their position clear both publicly and privately: they do not intend to sell the Argentine to their La Liga rivals. That position has effectively shut the door on the move Alvarez wanted. Now, with his preferred option unavailable and a move to Arsenal failing to convince him, Alvarez is facing a difficult decision over the next stage of his career and naturally, Atletico would want a resolution before the transfer window ends.