Arsenal missed out on a move for Julian Alvarez this summer after the World Cup winner to return to the Premier League, but the Argentine remained firm on his desire to play for Barcelona.
Arsenal were encouraged to keep pursuing him after Atletico Madrid made it clear they would not sell Alvarez directly to Barcelona because of the Catalan club’s approach to signing him. That left the player with a difficult choice over his future.
Alvarez chose to remain at Atletico
Barcelona remain the club Alvarez wants to play for, but Atletico have no intention of selling him directly to them. Instead, they gave the forward two options: remain at the Madrid club or move to Arsenal.
Alvarez ultimately chose to stay with Atletico, meaning Arsenal failed to secure one of their most wanted targets. The forward could have added another dimension to the Gunners’ attack and potentially taken them to another level.
His decision to remain in Spain has also pleased at least one prominent Liverpool figure. Steven Gerrard was discussing the transfer saga when he explained why he understood Atletico’s position.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Gerrard happy with Arsenal outcome
Gerrard believes Atletico were right to avoid strengthening a domestic and European rival, while also admitting that he was pleased Alvarez did not end up at Arsenal. The Liverpool icon said via Latest News
