Alvarez arrived in Qatar as one of Europe’s most closely watched attackers, but Lionel Scaloni has continued to favour Lautaro Martinez as Argentina’s starter. Alvarez has been restricted to brief substitute appearances, without the run of minutes needed to shape matches or build momentum.
That does not establish a decline in his ability. It does, however, mean Arsenal have seen little new evidence to justify accelerating their pursuit. A short tournament cameo cannot carry the same weight as a consistent starting role, particularly when the player’s valuation and expectations are already high.
The report says Atletico Madrid previously rejected significant proposals from Barcelona and Real Madrid. That stance was viewed as potentially helpful to Arsenal, with Atletico seemingly reluctant to strengthen domestic rivals and the World Cup expected to offer a fresh stage for Alvarez to raise his profile.
His lack of involvement could alter that dynamic. If the forward remains on the bench, Atletico may find that the market’s urgency has cooled, while Arsenal could become more selective over the timing and cost of any approach. Neither development is confirmed, but both are logical consequences of a tournament that has not followed the expected script.
The key issue is not one omitted start. It is the absence of sustained opportunity. Arsenal can still value Alvarez’s qualities, but the World Cup has so far offered more uncertainty than confirmation.
The next Argentina matches will be decisive. More minutes and a strong contribution could revive Arsenal’s conviction; another peripheral role may push the club to reconsider the pursuit before the next transfer window.