Atlético striker Julián Álvarez weighs new agent as Barcelona and Arsenal circle
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The gist
Argentina striker Julián Álvarez, 26, is close to hiring agent Pablo Barquero after leaving Fernando Hidalgo.
His agent choice could tip the Atlético Madrid forward toward Barcelona over Arsenal.
Background
Julián Álvarez is a 26-year-old Argentina international striker at Atlético Madrid and one of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's top targets; he is keen on a move to Barcelona. Pablo Barquero is the agent who handled Rodri's £65m transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona, and reports say he is close to signing Álvarez. The story is trending because Álvarez's choice of agent is being read as a signal of where he wants to go: Arsenal have chased him for months and missed out last summer, while Barcelona wanted him as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who joined Chicago Fire.
How it unfolded
- 2026 -06Robert Lewandowski signed a two-year deal with MLS side Chicago Fire, opening Barcelona's need for a No. 9.
- Summer 2026Atlético Madrid refused to sell Álvarez to La Liga rivals Barcelona unless his €500 million (£422m) release clause was triggered, despite the player's desire to leave Diego Simeone's side.
- Summer 2026Barcelona spent the window chasing Álvarez and ultimately failed to land him.
- Oct 15, 2026Reports claimed Arsenal had overtaken Barcelona in the race, with his decision to part ways with agent Fernando Hidalgo said to help the Gunners.
- Oct 16, 2026Mundo Deportivo reported Álvarez would sign with Pablo Barquero, the agent who represents Barcelona's Rodri, with a deal expected to be formally signed shortly.
- Oct 16, 2026Reporter Matteo Moretto said on Radio Marca that Álvarez has not signed with anyone, that Barquero has a slight advantage but nothing is closed, and that Pastore is also in the race.
- Oct 16, 2026TNT Sports reported Barcelona now lead Arsenal for Álvarez, with the 26-year-old close to signing with Barquero.
- Oct 17, 2026Sport reported Arsenal fear Barcelona will again stand in their way, with the new agent choice possibly tipping the scales toward the Catalan club.
- Oct 19, 2026Fichajes reported January could see Barcelona reignite their pursuit, but they would need to lower the asking price, possibly by offering players such as Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong or Roony Bardghji in exchange.
Who’s saying what
- Caution
- Reporter Matteo Moretto said Álvarez has not signed with anyone, Barquero holds only a slight advantage, Pastore is also in the race and the player wants to stay calm.
- Analysts
- TNT Sports said the move to Barquero suggests Barcelona are now firmly ahead of Arsenal for the Atlético striker.
- Party
- Sport reported Arsenal fear Barcelona will once again block their signing, with the agent choice possibly tipping the scales toward the Catalan club.
- Official
- Barcelona sporting director Deco said Álvarez is in the past.
Still unverified
Álvarez's switch to agent Pablo Barquero is reported by Mundo Deportivo but not completed; Matteo Moretto said he has not signed with anyone and the race is still open, with Javier Pastore also a candidate. Whether Barcelona will reignite their interest in Álvarez is described as not clear at all.