Barcelona have reportedly called off their attempts to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, a decision that could work in Arsenal's favour amid speculation linking the Spanish giants with a move for Viktor Gyokeres.
According to ESPN, Barcelona have decided to shelve their interest in the Atletico Madrid forward for now, despite the player's well-documented desire to move to Camp Nou. The Catalan club had seen a bid worth around €100million (£85m) turned down by their La Liga rivals earlier in the window, with Atletico making clear that Alvarez was not for sale regardless of any offer.
With the Alvarez deal now off the table, at least in the short term, Barcelona are said to be exploring alternative options to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes. Names being discussed include Sporting Lisbon's Luis Suarez, Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, and Villarreal pair Ayoze Perez and Georges Mikautadze. The club has also been tentatively linked with a surprise approach for Arsenal's Gyokeres, a development that will be closely watched by Gunners supporters given the Swedish striker's importance to Mikel Arteta's side.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is keen to add further firepower after a summer of departures in attack. Ferran Torres has moved to Paris Saint-Germain, while Robert Lewandowski left the club upon the expiry of his contract to join MLS side Chicago Fire. Those exits have left Flick searching for reinforcements to complement the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.
Meanwhile, the Alvarez transfer saga has created tension at Atletico Madrid, where the Argentine forward's stated ambition to join Barcelona has not gone down well with sections of the fanbase. Alvarez, who faced Arsenal in last season's Champions League semi-finals while at Atletico, was targeted by whistles and chants of disapproval from some supporters during a recent match against Malaga, which Atletico won 2-0. A banner criticising his conduct also circulated on social media around the fixture.
Alvarez did not feature in that game, with manager Diego Simeone explaining beforehand that the 26-year-old was still building up his match fitness following an extended break. The forward was involved in Argentina's run to a second consecutive World Cup final earlier this summer, a campaign that delayed his return to preseason training.
Asked about the hostile reaction from some fans following the win over Malaga, Simeone struck a diplomatic tone. "I respect our fans very much," he said. Earlier in the week, the Atletico boss had been unequivocal in his backing of Alvarez, describing him as his best player and stating that the club intended to build their team around him going forward.
When pressed further on the broader transfer picture at Atletico, Simeone declined to be drawn into specifics but acknowledged that further squad changes remain possible before the window shuts. "We're always open to the possibility of something happening. It's something I've always said, and it doesn't mean I'm talking about anyone in particular," he explained. "I've always said it. The club is working to give us the best possible squad."
For now, Alvarez appears set to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Atletico standing firm on their valuation and refusal to sell. Barcelona's shift in focus towards alternative attacking targets suggests the saga, while not entirely dead, has cooled considerably as the transfer deadline approaches.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).