Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has reportedly told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that he does not want to join the Premier League champions.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arteta spoke with Alvarez on the phone in an attempt to convince the Argentine forward to move to England.

However, Alvarez is said to be more interested in joining Barcelona, one of Atletico Madrid’s rivals in LaLiga.

The 26-year-old striker reportedly wants to move to the Camp Nou, but Atletico are not willing to sell him to Barcelona.

The Spanish club, however, would reportedly be open to doing business with Arsenal if the Premier League club can meet their demands.

Despite Arteta’s efforts, Alvarez is currently not interested in moving to the Emirates Stadium.

It remains unclear whether the striker could change his mind before the transfer window closes, with only a few days remaining for clubs to complete their deals.

Arsenal are believed to be looking for attacking reinforcements, but Alvarez’s preference for Barcelona could make any potential move to North London difficult.