Arsenal the only hope for Alvarez amid Atletico's refusal

Argentine international player Julián Álvarez has not attended Atlético Madrid training since the club privately informed him it would not sell him to Barcelona. According to sources close to the matter, reported by BBC Sport, the Madrid-based club communicated this decision to Álvarez and his advisors earlier this week. BBC Sport notes that the 26-year-old has missed two consecutive training sessions, citing health reasons.

Following this, Atlético published two official statements within 24 hours to reaffirm its stance. The club insists that Álvarez will not join FC Barcelona in the coming days. However, Atlético has expressed openness to a deal with Arsenal. Direct discussions have taken place between the clubs' executives regarding what could become one of the biggest transfers of the summer. Atlético sporting director Mateu Alemany traveled to London last week to meet with his Arsenal counterparts. During these talks, he made clear that his club would demand a fee of €150 million (£128 million). Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to sign Álvarez this month. Yet the player’s insistence on joining Barcelona has so far dampened the Gunners’ ambitions. Despite this impasse, negotiations between Atlético and Arsenal over an inter-club agreement concerning Álvarez are progressing positively. According to available information, if Álvarez gives Arsenal the green light in the coming days, the transfer could be finalized quickly. This situation positions Arsenal as the only viable exit route for the Argentine player.

Barcelona ruled out, Arsenal in strong position

Atlético’s determination not to sell Álvarez to Barcelona was further reinforced on Wednesday. In response to comments by Joan Laporta, president of the Catalan club, who still claimed he wanted to sign the player, Atlético issued an unequivocal statement: “There is a 0% chance of selling him to Barcelona.” The following day, the Madrid club reaffirmed this stance by releasing another statement. Atlético’s board of directors “unanimously expressed its full support” for the decision not to negotiate Álvarez’s transfer to FC Barcelona.

A transfer under intense pressure before the transfer window closes

This affair is occurring just days before the end of the summer transfer window, a crucial period for European clubs. Álvarez, who reached the World Cup final with Argentina this summer, remains under contract with Atlético Madrid until further notice. Álvarez stuck between Arsenal and Atlético as transfer window nears closure. Arsenal, which has already won its first match of the season against Coventry in the Premier League, could strengthen its attack with this profile. The London club is banking on ambitious recruitment to solidify its place among the title contenders. Arsenal crush Coventry and confirm status as title favorites. The coming days will be decisive in determining Álvarez’s fate. If the player gives the green light to Arsenal, the transfer could accelerate, despite Atlético’s initial reluctance. Both parties now appear aligned to find common ground, leaving little room for a Catalan outcome.