Atletico Madrid do not plan to allow Julian Alvarez to leave during the January transfer window, dealing a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Argentine striker.
The London club’s interest in the former Manchester City forward remains strong, while manager Mikel Arteta is open to the possibility of bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.
However, recent developments in Madrid have made such a deal extremely difficult during the winter transfer window.
Alvarez attracted attention during the 2026 World Cup when he expressed a desire to leave Atletico Madrid, naming Barcelona as his preferred destination.
However, tensions between the two Spanish clubs and Atletico Madrid’s reluctance to sell him to Barcelona complicated the situation. At the same time, the striker was not entirely convinced about a potential return to the Premier League.
Recently, Alvarez has gradually worked his way back into manager Diego Simeone’s plans. He has also apologised for his actions as part of the club’s efforts to improve relations with the supporters.
Simeone has welcomed this attitude, making the prospect of the striker leaving in January even less likely.
According to reports, Atletico Madrid intend to keep Alvarez at least until the end of the 2026/27 season, forcing Arsenal to wait for another opportunity to sign him.
