Julian Alvarez Transfer News: Arsenal in Line for Striker as Atletico Madrid Reject Barcelona Bid
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Arsenal only likely exit for Alvarez as striker skips training
By Sami Mokbel, Senior Football Correspondent
Published 31 minutes ago
Julian Alvarez has not attended Atletico Madrid training since being told privately the club would not sell him to Barcelona, and it appears the striker’s only way out is with a move to Arsenal.
Sources revealed to BBC Sport that Atletico communicated privately to Alvarez and his advisors earlier this week that they will not negotiate with Barcelona over a move for the Argentina international. The 26-year-old has since missed two consecutive days of training, citing illness.
Atletico also released two public statements in 24 hours reiterating their stance that Alvarez will not be granted his wish to join Barca. However, they are open to selling Alvarez to Arsenal and have held direct talks with the Premier League champions over what would be one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Atleti director Mateu Alemany was in London last week, where he met with Arsenal counterparts, making clear his side would seek a fee of 150m Euros (£128m). Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign Alvarez this month, but his steadfast desire to join Barcelona has halted Arsenal‘s pursuit.
However, discussions between Atletico and Arsenal over a club-to-club agreement for Alvarez have been positive. In the event of Alvarez giving Arsenal the green light to proceed with his signing in the coming days, a deal should move quickly.
On Wednesday, Atletico released a statement in response to comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporte, insisting they still wanted to sign Alvarez: "There is 0% chance of selling him to Barca." The Atletico board doubled down on their stance on Thursday with another statement: "The members of Atletico de Madrid’s board of directors have unanimously expressed their absolute support for the club’s decision to not negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona."
Related topics:
- Football
- Arsenal
- Football Transfers
- Premier League
- Spanish La Liga
- Atlético Madrid
- Barcelona
