Arsenal emerges as Julian Alvarez’s only route out of Atletico Madrid

Julian Alvarez is considering a move to Arsenal after Atletico Madrid refused to sell the Argentina forward to Barcelona, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

Alvarez has expressed a desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer and would prefer to join Barcelona, where he could work under head coach Hansi Flick. However, Atletico are strongly opposed to allowing the player to move to the Catalan club.

That stance has forced Alvarez to examine an alternative which he had not initially wanted to pursue. Mundo Deportivo reports that the forward is now studying the possibility of accepting an offer from Arsenal and returning to the Premier League.

The report said: “Alvarez is considering the option of playing for Arsenal, although initially he did not want to return to England for family reasons.”

Arsenal have consequently become Alvarez’s only apparent route away from Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish side continuing to block any possible transfer to Barcelona.

The 24-year-old previously played in the Premier League with Manchester City before moving to Atletico Madrid. The latest developments could now lead him back to English football, despite his earlier reluctance to return because of family considerations.

Alvarez’s future has also been placed under greater scrutiny by his recent absence from Atletico Madrid training. The Argentina international missed Wednesday’s session because of illness, according to the club, having also been absent for the same reason the previous day.

Atletico’s medical department remains in contact with Alvarez and is working towards his return to group training as soon as possible. The club need the forward’s services, making his continued absence a significant concern for the Madrid side.

However, his failure to train over the past two days is no longer being viewed simply as the result of a minor illness. The situation is now understood to be more complicated, amid the uncertainty surrounding the player’s future and his wish to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

Barcelona remain Alvarez’s preferred destination, with the forward reportedly attracted by the prospect of playing under Flick. Atletico, though, are determined not to strengthen a direct Spanish rival by approving a deal with the club.

As a result, Arsenal could now represent Alvarez’s only viable option if he is to depart Atletico Madrid during the current transfer window. His decision will depend on whether he is prepared to set aside his family concerns about returning to England and accept the Premier League club’s proposal.

The developments surrounding Alvarez have prompted further discussion among supporters, with the subject also being debated in the Kooora forums.