Amid 48 hours when the Julian Alvarez saga brought a media storm in Spain, Arsenal are continuing to work away in the background. The hope is that a big calculation may yet pay off.
Mikel Arteta has long been aware that Alvarez’s first choice was Barcelona, and respects that, but his club were also aware that their Catalan rivals would struggle to do the deal. Even as far back as May, it was known that Barca had a lot to do to make the finances work, and that was before a deteriorating relationship with Atletico Madrid reached this dismal nadir.
On Thursday, it was finally communicated that Atletico’s official position is that they will “never , ever” sell Alvarez to Barcelona. This was as key representatives of both clubs – as well as Arsenal – were at the Champions League draw in Monaco. That naturally fostered a lot of intrigue, as well as some mirth, for those present.
There was also some seriousness, as Atletico’s Gil Marin spoke about how Alvarez was enduring “a difficult situation on both a personal and professional level”, from “people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive him, to confuse him”.
The 26-year-old has certainly had a lot to consider, which complicates any decision-making this weekend, but multiple sources say he was already giving more and more thought to joining Arsenal.
Intermediaries have impressed upon him how Arteta is going to play him in his best position in Arsenal’s attack, which will allow both the player and the team to go onto the next level; that they can win the Champions League together.
It’s persuasive, but suddenly a lot to decide in a short space of time. Atletico want some kind of clarity as soon as Friday evening. And yet if that does mean Alvarez is ultimately open to joining Arsenal, it will prove a case of the club really holding their nerve over the long term.
Arteta identified the former Manchester City forward as one of his ideal targets way back into last season, and maintained his interest even on learning that Barcelona was his dream destination. The calculation was that the Catalan club would ultimately struggle to do the deal, potentially allowing Arsenal to move in.
And duly, the English champions have been given increasing encouragement – even if it has been incremental – over the last two weeks.
There is still a huge amount to do, including agreeing a fee with Atletico if it does get that far. That’s where it could get tricky. Even there, Atletico’s stance is hardline, and they want a total package that amounts to €150m.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta did come from Atletico, of course, and there is the possibility that smoothes negotiations. In another advantage that Barcelona didn’t have, though, Arsenal can send attackers the other way. Viktor Gyokeres is currently seen as the most attractive option.
Should Arsenal ultimately conclude a deal, it would also be a very rare case this summer of a Premier League club actually completing their business.
That is all the more pronounced in a window – and especially an end to the window – where so many of the wealthiest clubs, and those long considered the best at squad-planning, are casting around for big signings. Some are getting frantic.
Arsenal may also be working late with one signing, but it’s part of a longer strategy where Alvarez was one of a few targets who fit exactly what they wanted. Only Brentford, Brighton and a handful of other clubs can say similar.
And if Arsenal don’t get him, they are relatively relaxed.
There is some internal surprise they let Gabriel Martinelli go before securing an alternative in that area, although some sources believe it could see Arsenal move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on a temporary deal.
On the whole, though, the squad is in good shape.
It’s almost exactly where Arteta wants it, bar that one piece. And Alvarez isn’t just a piece, but the attacker seen as taking this squad from one the manager is very happy with to his ideal. He’s the player Arteta feels can take his attack to another level.
That is one reason why there are so many layers to this transfer.
