According to British media outlet Football-london, Arsenal attempted to sign Álvarez from Atlético Madrid this summer but was unsuccessful. Barcelona was also interested in the striker, but Arsenal could gain an advantage if they make another attempt in the future.

If Arsenal revives its interest in Álvarez next year, they could have an advantage over Barcelona, having failed to sign the Atlético Madrid striker this summer. A few weeks ago, the 26-year-old player was linked with a high-profile transfer to Arsenal, and Barcelona also exerted considerable pressure in the race for his signature.

According to reports, Álvarez preferred to join Barcelona, but Atlético Madrid ultimately refused to do business with a La Liga rival, which proved beneficial for Arsenal. However, Arteta ultimately failed to persuade Álvarez to join his project. The Argentine striker will remain in the Spanish capital at least until January, when he will attempt to repair his strained relationship with the fans. His near departure this summer had caused significant dissatisfaction among supporters.

Barcelona reportedly made an official offer of around £85 million for Álvarez, but it was quickly rejected by Atlético Madrid. Atlético Madrid then issued a strong response when asked about the protracted transfer saga.

Atlético Madrid's statement read: "It is not about money, it is about dignity. The player became a victim, but in Álvarez's case, the only victims are us. Financially and socially, we have been harmed.

"Selling him to Barcelona is 0% possible. There are many lies and half-truths out there, and the only one paying the price for it is Atlético Madrid."

Now, Barcelona's sporting director Deco has also commented on the controversy. When asked about reports that Barcelona had offered to pay Álvarez's transfer fee over six seasons, Deco responded: "No, when we made our offer, it was to pay over three seasons, like other clubs. Some clubs even pay us over five years."

Barcelona had planned to pay Álvarez's transfer fee over three seasons, which could benefit Arsenal if they intend to sign the star in 2027.

If Arsenal makes an offer too good to refuse and pays in a single lump sum, Atlético Madrid's board could be persuaded, especially given how common installment payments are for transfer fees nowadays.

However, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal is willing to do so. Although the Gunners have demonstrated in recent years that they do not hesitate to spend heavily on key players, the £75 million transfer fee they paid for Guimarães was also reportedly structured in installments.

According to "Sports View," Arsenal will not pay in a single lump sum but will pay Guimarães £25 million in three installments.

Meanwhile, when Arsenal reached a transfer agreement with the La Liga club for Zubimendi last year, the amount paid was slightly above his £51 million release clause, totaling £55 million, also paid in several installments.

If Álvarez's transfer succeeds next summer—and considering that, unless Atlético Madrid significantly reduces its asking price, the deal would cost Arsenal at least another £128 million—it remains unclear whether Arsenal is willing or able to pay this amount in a single lump sum.

Traducido por IA.

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