Julian Alvarez was linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but earlier this week it was reported that the player’s two brothers are looking for a home in Barcelona.
Julian Alvarez is Arsenal transfer target (Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Julián Álvarez’s agent has said reports that the Atletico Madrid star’s brother is house-hunting in Barcelona are “1000 per cent false”. Alvarez, 26, is a target of both Arsenal and Barça this summer, two years after leaving Manchester City in an £82m deal.
The forward had an impressive first season, helping Atletico reach the Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal. Alvarez’s team defeated Barcelona in the previous match, but like Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, they are looking to revamp their front line in the summer transfer window.
Alvarez is the La Liga champions’ top target, with Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring in June and Marcus Rashold’s loan spell coming to an end. It was reported this week that Alvarez had sent two brothers to look at properties in the city, but the Argentine’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, has silenced the claims.
Coach Hidalgo admitted to Mundo Deportivo that it was “1000% false.” “None of my family has ever been to Barcelona. The last time we were there was against Atlético and we returned to Madrid the next day.”
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Alvarez himself remains mum about his future. When asked about Barcelona last month, the 26-year-old replied: “What do you want me to say? I haven’t said anything.”
“These things are said and spread like wildfire on social media. You say one thing and it generates comments, but I never said anything.
“Who knows, maybe yes, maybe no. I’m happy. That’s a question that comes up everywhere, but I’m happy. I’m thinking day-to-day and working to do my best here.”
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Julian Alvarez will face Arsenal on Wednesday as talk of a move to north London progresses (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Alvarez scored a late equalizer in last weekend’s Copa del Rey final, but Atlético lost to Real Sociedad on penalties. With the La Liga title a long way off, the former City star and his teammates are now solely focused on beating Arsenal to reach the Champions League final.
Next week’s first leg in Madrid will be the first of two auditions for Alvarez, who is yet to score in three appearances against Arsenal. Earlier this season, Arteta’s side defeated Atletico 4-0.
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