Arsenal have received a significant update in the Julian Alvarez transfer saga after Barcelona sporting director Deco publicly ruled out a future move for the Atletico Madrid forward.
The Gunners were heavily involved in the summer race before Alvarez remained in Spain, with Read Arsenal covering how Arsenal’s Julian Alvarez pursuit ended as the striker made his final decision.
Barcelona were Alvarez’s preferred destination during that window, but that route now appears closed.
Deco rules out Barcelona move for Alvarez
Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit, Deco confirmed Barcelona have moved on from the Argentina international.
As reported by Catalan outlet 3Cat, Deco said:
“Julian is a thing of the past.”
He also confirmed Barcelona submitted an offer during the summer but Atletico consistently refused to sell.
Barcelona eventually moved for Gabriel Jesus instead.
What it means for Arsenal
Deco’s comments remove one of Arsenal’s biggest competitors if Alvarez becomes available again.
Read Arsenal previously reported that Arsenal’s January interest in Alvarez had resurfaced following his decision to remain at Atletico.
That does not mean a January transfer is now likely.
Atletico still control Alvarez’s future, there is no confirmed Arsenal bid and no evidence that negotiations have reopened.
But one important element has changed.
Barcelona are no longer pursuing him, leaving Arsenal with one fewer rival should Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta decide to revisit the deal when the window reopens.
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