Arsenal transfer news: Julian Alvarez prediction made after Barcelona agent twist

Former Atletico Madrid striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink told Sports Mole that Julian Alvarez's departure from the club is inevitable and predicted he will join Arsenal rather than Barcelona. Although Alvarez reportedly hired agent Pablo Barquero to help facilitate a move to Barcelona, Hasselbaink stated Atletico would refuse to sell him to their La Liga rivals. Arsenal previously attempted to sign the Argentine forward during the summer transfer window.

Alvarez is contracted to Atletico Madrid until 2030, with the Spanish club expected to demand over £100m for a permanent transfer. The report notes that Atletico previously showed interest in Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres, raising the possibility of a future part-exchange deal, though Alvarez has reportedly shown no current willingness to move to North London.