Barcelona have ended their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, handing Arsenal a clearer path to the Atletico Madrid striker. Sporting director Deco confirmed at the Portugal Football Summit that the club will not revisit the deal after their summer bid was rejected.
Deco said: “Julian is in the past, we have to look ahead, and we are happy with the rest of the squad. I hope he is doing well too and helping his club, that’s what it comes down to. We made an offer. The club always maintained they wouldn’t sell him, so we have to look for other solutions.” The 26-year-old Argentine was a long-term target for Barcelona during the summer window before Atletico firmly shut down negotiations.
Arsenal were among the clubs interested in Alvarez over the summer but ultimately did not complete a deal. Barcelona instead signed Gabriel Jesus from the Gunners for £8.6m, with Deco explaining that the Brazilian proved an ideal alternative once Alvarez became unavailable. Jesus has since scored twice in four appearances for Barcelona.
Alvarez has made four appearances for Atletico this season, hampered by injury as he builds his match fitness after the international break.
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