Alvarez still wants Barcelona
Julián Alvarez has not given up on his dream of signing for FC Barcelona (11). Atlético de Madrid only want to open the door to Arsenal. Your prime striker target remains stuck in a tug-of-war over where he actually wants to play. Robert Lewandowski's future at Barcelona is part of the equation (11).
What it means for Arsenal
You are second-choice in this race, and that stings. Atletico will only sell if Alvarez lands at Arsenal, not at the Camp Nou. If Barcelona move for him, the deal dies before it starts (11).
The window is closing
The European transfer window shuts within the next week. Arsenal have to decide whether to wait on Alvarez or move on. The 3–0 win over Coventry on Friday keeps you second, but the striker question hangs over everything before Monday's trip to Aston Villa.
Fan-reaktioner
Gunners fans are mostly focused on Martinelli's likely exit to Al Hilal, with reports of a €55m plus €4m offer in advanced talks and the fee tracking toward €60m, with Ituano due a sell-on cut. The Alvarez threads carry a resigned tone, fans already know he would only come because Barcelona did not work out. See the discussion here.
