Arsenal wary of Barcelona threat in pursuit of World Cup winner after new agent decision

Arsenal wary of Barcelona threat in pursuit of World Cup winner after new agent decision According to reports relayed by SPORT , Arsenal are increasingly concerned that FC Barcelona could once again stand in their way in the pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid striker remains one of Mikel Arteta’s major transfer targets, but his choice of a new representative could tilt the balance in the Blaugrana’s favour. That is the fear in England, with the Argentine close to appointing Pablo Barquero , the agent who helped negotiate Rodri’s move to Catalonia in the summer.  The development has raised concerns within Arsenal’s camp. The London club have spent months exploring the possibility of signing the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner, only to encounter a familiar obstacle: the player’s preference for wearing Barcelona colours.  Alvarez recently decided to end his professional relationship with Fernando Hidalgo. The split came after a particularly difficult summer, during which his attempt to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona ultimately fell through.  Initially, former Argentine footballer Javier Pastore appeared to be the leading candidate to take charge of Alvarez’s career. However, the situation has since changed, and Barquero is now the favourite to become his new agent. Barcelona tried to signed Alvarez last summer. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images) Both the player and his family are said to be convinced that he is the right person to guide his next career moves.  The Rodri connection and Barcelona The potential appointment is significant. Barquero has a close professional relationship with Rodri, with whom Alvarez shared a dressing room during their time at Manchester City. The agent also played an important role in the negotiations that led to the Spanish midfielder joining Barcelona after the World Cup.  That precedent has raised alarm bells in England. Alvarez’s decision to consider an agent with strong Barcelona connections could offer a clue about his future intentions.  It does not necessarily mean that a transfer is already being negotiated, but it could indicate that the striker is preparing the ground for another attempt to move to Camp Nou.  Arteta wants Alvarez at Arsenal. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) For Arsenal, the development represents a major source of concern as Arteta believes Alvarez would fit his project perfectly. The Premier League champions believe they have the financial resources to complete a major deal. However, money may not be the decisive factor. Arsenal recognise that the biggest obstacle remains Alvarez’s own wishes. Could Barquero help Barcelona revive their pursuit? Against this backdrop, Barquero’s potential arrival in Alvarez’s camp takes on added significance. Arsenal fear that this connection could ultimately prove decisive. Having missed out on Alvarez last summer, the London club are now watching the striker move towards the very agent who helped bring Rodri to Barcelona.  For now, the appointment does not confirm that Alvarez will move to Catalonia. Nevertheless, the possibility has not gone unnoticed in London, where Arsenal remain wary of Barça’s interest in one of their leading attacking targets.