Julian Alvarez Next Club Odds: Arsenal leapfrog Barcelona in race to sign Argentine forward

Arsenal are the new favourites with William Hill News to sign Julián Álvarez before 2nd September, with the Gunners priced at 7/4 ahead of Barcelona at 2/1.

The market shift follows Álvarez’s hostile reception from sections of the Atlético Madrid support during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal at the Metropolitano. The Argentina forward was booed when his name was announced, again during his warm-up and when he entered as a substitute, with reports of chants telling him to leave.

Julián Álvarez – To Sign For Before 2nd September:

• Arsenal – 7/4
• Barcelona – 2/1
• PSG – 33/1
• BAR – 40/1

*Odds subject to change – prices correct at time of writing.

Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “We’ve made Arsenal favourites to rescue Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid at 7/4, narrowly ahead of Barcelona (2/1), after the forward was jeered by his own fans at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

“It’s very much a two-horse race between the Premier League champions and the Catalan club, but we’re siding with the Gunners given Atletico’s reported unwillingness to let Alvarez join a major Spanish rival.

“With the Argentine’s future in Madrid very much in question, we’re anticipating a lot of volatility in this market before the transfer window closes and a bid from Arsenal would see their price to secure the forward plummet.”

Atlético are understood to be unwilling to sell Álvarez to Barcelona, their direct La Liga rivals, while Arsenal are reported to have made progress in discussions over a potential move. The Spanish club are said to value the forward at around €150 million.