Julian Alvarez has told Arsenal he does not want to join the north London club because he prefers a move to Barcelona, according to transfer specialist David Ornstein. Arsenal had shown interest in signing the Argentine forward, and Alvarez spoke directly with coach Mikel Arteta about the prospect. Ornstein said a transfer to Arsenal currently appears unlikely because the player’s focus remains on Barcelona.

Alvarez has been linked with a transfer throughout the summer. Barcelona have made several attempts to sign the former Manchester City forward, but Atletico Madrid have not responded to their proposals. The Spanish club said last week that it was not considering selling Alvarez to Barcelona. Reports had presented Arsenal as an alternative destination, with Atletico reportedly more open to reaching an agreement with the English club.

Ornstein said the situation could still change in the coming days if Alvarez softens his stance. The forward’s future has also become uncertain at Atletico, where he was jeered by supporters during last Sunday’s match against Villarreal. He missed morning training on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday because of illness, then returned to Atletico’s Majadahonda training centre on Friday afternoon without training with the squad.