Julian Alvarez absence keeps Atletico future uncertain as transfer deadline nears

Julian Alvarez has missed Atletico de Madrid training for a second consecutive day, with the Argentina forward citing “illness” as speculation continues to surround his future at the club.

Alvarez was absent from Wednesday’s session after Atletico’s players had been given two days off. His latest non-appearance leaves his involvement in Saturday’s La Liga match against Sevilla at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan uncertain.

The forward’s absence comes at a time of mounting tension between the player and Atletico. His future is expected to become clearer on 1 September, once the transfer window closes and it is known where he will play this season.

Alvarez reportedly expressed a desire to leave Atletico while on international duty with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. That stance angered the Madrid club, who remain determined to keep the striker and have rejected the possibility of selling him to Barcelona.

Barcelona are understood to be Alvarez’s preferred destination, with the Catalan club also keen to sign him. Atletico’s refusal to negotiate with Barcelona has left the player’s situation unresolved as the transfer deadline approaches.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Arsenal’s interest could provide a possible solution to the stand-off. The summer transfer window is due to close in only six days, adding to the pressure on all parties to reach a decision.

Alvarez has already featured in Atletico’s opening two La Liga fixtures. The team began the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malaga before drawing 2-2 with Villarreal at the Metropolitano.

He started the match against Villarreal on the bench and was introduced in the 66th minute. His appearance was met by whistles from sections of the Atletico support, underlining the increasingly difficult atmosphere surrounding the player.

Atletico are now preparing for their third league game of the season, against Sevilla on Saturday. However, Alvarez’s participation remains unclear after he missed training for a second day in a row.

The latest development has intensified questions over whether the absence is solely related to his reported illness or is connected to the wider dispute over his future. Atletico continue to hold his registration and oppose a move to Barcelona, while the player’s wishes and the interest from other clubs could still influence the outcome before the transfer market shuts.

For now, the club must prepare for Sevilla without certainty over one of its leading attacking options. A decision on Alvarez’s next step is likely to be made before 1 September, when the transfer window closes and the forward’s position for the remainder of the season should finally be established.