Arsenal have received fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with the Atletico Madrid forward reportedly beginning to reconsider a potential return to the Premier League.
Alvarez has prioritised a move to Barcelona throughout the summer and previously rejected Arsenal despite being attracted by Mikel Arteta’s sporting project.
That position has not completely disappeared. However, a fresh report from AS suggests Arsenal are now being viewed differently as the Argentina international searches for a route out of Atletico.
Julian Alvarez stance on Arsenal begins to soften
According to AS, Alvarez is starting to leave the door open to Arsenal, albeit only slightly, after previously making clear that he did not want to return to England.
Barcelona remain his preferred destination, but Atletico have consistently refused to sanction a transfer to their La Liga rivals.
Arsenal have consequently remained in the picture.
AS reports that Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have maintained frequent contact with Alvarez during the summer.
The 26-year-old has appreciated Arsenal’s interest and is attracted by the sporting project at the Emirates Stadium, although family considerations and UK visa restrictions have previously contributed to his reluctance to return to the Premier League.
Alvarez is now said to be viewing England differently as his preferred Barcelona move becomes increasingly difficult.
That represents important progression after ReadArsenal reported earlier on Saturday that Arsenal had revived their pursuit and could be prepared to spend more than £100million on Alvarez.
Arsenal have already encountered the Barcelona complication during this saga, with ReadArsenal previously reporting that the Catalan club remained a major obstacle to a potential deal.
Arsenal still face major Atletico Madrid obstacle
The Gunners should not interpret the latest development as a breakthrough just yet.
Alvarez continues to prioritise Barcelona and AS stresses that his previous rejection of Arsenal has not been completely withdrawn.
Atletico also remain adamant that one of their most important players will not leave.
Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterated that position this week, with AS reporting his insistence that Atletico intend to support Alvarez and need him as they attempt to compete with Europe’s leading clubs.
The situation nevertheless leaves Arsenal with considerably more reason to remain involved than they had previously.
Arteta and Berta appear to have kept communication open despite Alvarez’s initial reluctance, and that persistence could become significant if Barcelona remain unable to provide him with an exit route.
Arsenal still need movement from both the player and Atletico before a deal becomes realistic.
For the first time in this latest stage of the saga, however, Alvarez appears to be giving the Emirates option more serious consideration.
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