Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez has ended his relationship with longtime agent Fernando Hidalgo and is preparing for a potential January transfer, with Arsenal emerging as his first-choice alternative as Barcelona shifts focus to other targets.
Julián Álvarez Splits From Agent Fernando Hidalgo Amid Transfer Friction
Julián Álvarez has taken a definitive step to reshape his professional representation by cutting ties with Fernando Hidalgo, the agent who accompanied him through most of his career, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The forward’s decision follows months of turbulence regarding his future at Atlético Madrid following a summer in which his desired move to Barcelona failed to materialize.
Relations between Hidalgo and the club had reached an absolute impasse. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the chief executive of Atlético Madrid, stated publicly that the player had received poor advice and was misled and deceived, pointing specifically to unauthorized meetings held with Barcelona that collapsed negotiations.
With Gustavo Álvarez overseeing family discussions regarding the next steps, the player is closing in on an agreement with an Argentine agency linked to former player Javier Pastory to manage his representation, as reported by AS. The new representation aims to normalize relations with club leadership and negotiate terms for a departure, whether during the January window or in July.
Arsenal Prepares January Move as Álvarez Shifts Preferences
With Barcelona’s attacking additions and ongoing links to Erling Haaland, Camp Nou is no longer viewed as an immediate landing spot, opening the door for Arsenal to become his first-choice alternative.
Arsenal is reportedly ready to test the market again in January. To offset the massive valuation, the London club is open to structuring a deal that could include players heading to Madrid, with Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke identified as possibilities mentioned during previous discussions as outlined by TEAMtalk.
Atlético Valuation Pressure and International Respite
Atlético Madrid faces a delicate balancing act under manager Diego Simeone. Tied to a long-term contract through June 2030, the 26-year-old forward remains a central pillar on paper, but his sporting output has stalled amid the friction as noted across Spanish reports. Club officials are acutely aware that a continued spell on the bench risks eroding his market value below substantial estimates floated last summer according to Sport.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni addressed the player’s mental and physical state during the international break, offering a strong endorsement after Álvarez rejoined the national team .
When Julián is here with us, he is very happy and in his best mental and physical state.
Scaloni added that it is in Atlético Madrid’s best interest for Julián Álvarez to always be at his best, framing the international call-up as a necessary psychological escape from the heavy pressure in the Spanish capital reported 365Scores.
