Arsenal have received a significant boost in their bid to sign Julian Alvarez, with reports indicating that Barcelona's move for the Argentina international has lost momentum — clearing the path for the Premier League champions to make him their first major signing of the summer.

Barcelona stall, Arsenal move to the front

Spanish radio outlet Cadena SER has reported that Barcelona's pursuit of Alvarez has stalled following public criticism from Atletico Madrid, who called out their La Liga rivals over their approach for the player. Since that flashpoint, progress on a move to the Catalan club has dried up — and Arsenal are well-placed to capitalise.

The Gunners' sporting director Andrea Berta was reportedly finalising personal terms with Alvarez's camp as far back as March, according to TEAMtalk. That early groundwork gives Arsenal a notable head start over the competition.

Where Alvarez fits in Arteta's plans

Despite ending a six-year trophy drought and reaching two finals this season, manager Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen Arsenal's attacking options further. Owners Kroenke Sports Entertainment are said to be backing another ambitious summer of investment at the Emirates Stadium.

The left-wing berth appears to be the position in question. With Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz competing for the central striking role and Bukayo Saka a certainty on the right, the left flank is open. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have shared those minutes without either making the position their own.

Arteta is also understood to be reshaping his fullback setup — moving Myles Lewis-Skelly to a central midfield role and deploying Piero Hincapie as an overlapping left-back. That shift means the left-winger will be expected to cut inside regularly, a role that suits the profile of Alvarez, who is ranked fifth in FourFourTwo's list of the world's best strikers.

PSG also in the race

Arsenal are not without competition. Paris Saint-Germain are reported to be seriously interested in Alvarez, and while Arsenal can offer him a more prominent role as a starter, the 26-year-old is said to be hesitant about a move to London at this stage.

The Gunners are also monitoring Morgan Rogers and Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown as alternative left-wing options, while Eberechi Eze could feature more prominently on the left flank going forward.

Alvarez carries a Transfermarkt valuation of €100 million. He is set to feature for Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on June 16.