Osimhen transfer: Atletico decision opens Barcelona door for Super Eagles star

Atlético Madrid have closed one route in the Julián Alvarez transfer saga, but their decision could create a new path for Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Spanish club's board unanimously backed a decision, released via a statement on Thursday not to negotiate Alvarez's transfer to Barcelona. Atlético said Barcelona had not met its standards for “ethical and professional” transfer dealings. The club added that it is still open to other transfer talks.

That distinction matters to both Barcelona and Osimhen, who is keen to remain in Europe. Alvarez is Barcelona's first-choice striker. The 26-year-old has also made it clear that Barcelona is his preferred destination. Barcelona president Joan Laporta again spoke about the club's interest on Wednesday, while Atlético have now made their position even clearer.

The result is a transfer standoff. Barcelona want Alvarez. Alvarez wants Barcelona. Atlético do not want to sell him to Barcelona. That could force Barcelona to move to another striker before the transfer window closes.

Osimhen enters the equation as the transfer dominoes move

Arsenal-linked Victor Osimhen has already been identified by Barcelona as an alternative to Alvarez. Mundo Deportivo reported in March that Osimhen, who is also wanted by Al Hilal, was one of the options Barcelona had prepared if it could not sign Alvarez. He was not the first choice, but the Nigeria international was considered a possible solution for the No. 9 position.

The situation is less certain now. Recent reports say Barcelona have also considered other alternatives, and one report said the club had moved away from the Super Eagles striker. That means the Galatasaray striker is not a confirmed Barcelona target at this stage.

There is another possible twist involving Arsenal..The Premier League champions have pursued Alvarez, but his preference for Barcelona has complicated that move. Atlético's latest decision could push Alvarez toward a choice between Arsenal and staying in Madrid. Sky Sports reported on Thursday that Atlético will not negotiate with Barcelona and that Alvarez is considering Arsenal.

If Alvarez finally accepts Arsenal, the Gunners could then need to change their striker plans. Osimhen has been linked with Arsenal throughout the summer, although reports have differed over whether the club are actively negotiating with Galatasaray.

That makes the final days of the window important for Osimhen. Barcelona could return to the Nigerian if Alvarez becomes impossible. Arsenal could also revisit Osimhen if Alvarez chooses the Camp Nou dream over London.

Osimhen, meanwhile, is under contract with Galatasaray until 2029. The club signed him permanently from Napoli in July 2025 for €75 million, with a 10% sell-on clause for Napoli.