Arsenal could revisit Julian Alvarez after FIFA’s revised Article 17 takes effect on January 1, 2027. The new rules will govern compensation when a player terminates a contract without just cause.
The change follows a summer transfer saga involving Alvarez, Barcelona and Arsenal. Barcelona made an offer for the Argentina striker, according to Cadena SER, but Atletico Madrid rejected it.
Barcelona sporting director Deco rejected claims that his club encouraged Alvarez to seek an Atletico exit. “A Julián Alvarez no le dijimos nunca que dijera que quería irse del Atlético,” Deco said, according to Cadena SER.
FIFA’s revised Article 17 will change how authorities calculate compensation in contract termination cases. Spanish reports say the new system will consider the actual damage caused and the circumstances surrounding each case.
Sports lawyer Marcelo Bee Sellares said: “Compensation will no longer be tied to a rigid formula and will instead be determined based on the actual damage caused, taking into account the particular circumstances of each case.” He identified the remaining contract value, the player’s services, lost transfer value and replacement costs as factors in the calculation.
The distinction matters for Arsenal because Article 17 does not set a new transfer fee for Alvarez. If Arsenal and Atletico agree a conventional transfer, both clubs would still negotiate the price under the terms of the deal.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 on a six-year contract. The Spanish club paid a reported €95 million package for the striker, while reports have placed his release clause at about £430 million.
Alvarez has since returned to Diego Simeone’s starting plans. AS reported that the forward improved his fitness and performances in training after the summer transfer dispute.
He then started Atletico’s Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield and played the full 90 minutes. Alvarez assisted Marcos Llorente for Atletico’s goal in the 2-1 defeat.
Simeone has backed the striker to move forward from the summer dispute. “Life is full of opportunities,” the Atletico manager said, adding that Alvarez had the chance to resolve his situation internally and focus on being happy and scoring goals.
