Arsenal transfer news: Gunners receive 'fresh' Julian Alvarez update from Atletico Madrid president

Arsenal have received a fresh update on Julian Alvarez as the summer transfer window enters its final stretch.

The Gunners have pursued Alvarez throughout the summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to add another elite striker to his attacking ranks.

Barcelona have also been linked with the 26-year-old, who reached the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina, but Atletico Madrid have remained adamant that their prized forward is not for sale.

There had been suggestions that Alvarez had left the door ajar to joining the Premier League champions, although Arsenal's hopes of prising him away from Madrid now appear increasingly remote.

The Argentine was not involved in Atletico's La Liga opener against Malaga on Wednesday, but that absence has done little to improve the Gunners' prospects of signing him.

Julian Alvarez future: Arsenal receive major transfer blow

Diego Simeone has repeatedly made it clear that he has no desire to lose his star striker, and Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has now delivered an equally emphatic message.

Alvarez is under contract with Atletico until 2030, leaving the Spanish club under no financial pressure to cash in on the forward this summer.

Cerezo has echoed Simeone's stance, insisting that Atletico never wanted to sell Alvarez and that the Argentine has always been regarded as an integral part of the club's plans.

The Atletico president said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: "After a fairly complicated summer, marked by incessant questions about Julian Alvarez, the fact is he's an Atlético de Madrid player. He's always been an Atlético de Madrid player. We never had any intention of selling him."

Arsenal must look for options elsewhere

At this stage of the window, Arsenal would be better served looking elsewhere rather than continuing to knock on a door that Atletico appear determined to keep firmly shut.

Arteta wants to bring in a top-class striker capable of providing serious competition for Viktor Gyokeres, and with time running out, the Gunners cannot afford to allow their pursuit of Alvarez to consume their entire transfer strategy.

Victor Osimhen has emerged as a potential alternative in recent weeks, although Arsenal reportedly want the Galatasaray striker to lower his wage demands if he is serious about returning to the Premier League.

With Atletico's position now crystal clear, Arsenal may have little choice but to move on and identify another forward who can provide the additional firepower Arteta wants before deadline day.