Barcelona have reportedly begun discussing alternative striker options internally, a development that could significantly benefit Arsenal’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed the news on his YouTube channel, suggesting Barcelona’s pursuit of the Argentina international may be running into difficulties.
Romano’s exact words were: “Barcelona have started internally at the moment, so president, director, coach, people at the club, started discussing alternative options if they can sign Julian Alvarez. So, Barcelona have started considering alternatives.”
The development adds to a growing body of reporting that has kept Arsenal’s name firmly in the frame for the Atletico Madrid forward.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has urged people not to rule out Arsenal yet, while Romano himself has previously identified the Gunners as one to watch in this particular transfer saga.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has also provided further context, explaining that Arsenal have been deliberately waiting in the background on the deal, ready to pounce if Barcelona fail to get their man.
A key factor working in Arsenal’s favour is Atletico Madrid’s reported reluctance to sell Julian Alvarez directly to a La Liga rival, which could push the Spanish club to consider Premier League interest more seriously.
The primary obstacle for Arsenal, however, remains convincing Alvarez himself to choose the Emirates Stadium over his preferred destination of Barcelona.
Should Alvarez push to leave Atletico regardless of destination, it could persuade the Spanish club to accept a reasonable offer from outside La Liga rather than strengthen a direct domestic competitor.
The question of whether Arsenal actually need Alvarez is a legitimate one, given that Viktor Gyokeres arrived last summer and fired the club to the Premier League title in his debut season.
Gyokeres recorded 21 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions last season, while Alvarez managed 20 goals in 49 games, making the Argentine only a marginal upgrade on paper.
Given the expected high cost of any deal for Alvarez, some observers have suggested Arsenal may be better served investing in attacking midfield to improve the service delivered to Gyokeres.
Barcelona, by contrast, have a more pressing need for a striker following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, making their interest in Alvarez more urgent and driven by necessity.
How this situation develops over the coming days will be closely monitored, with Arsenal supporters hoping Barcelona’s hesitation opens the door for their club to strike a deal.
