Julian Alvarez makes Arsenal stance clear amid Atletico Madrid transfer stand-off

Julian Alvarez has told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that he does not want to join the Premier League club during the current transfer window, according to a report in Spain.

The Atletico de Madrid striker’s potential move to Arsenal has become increasingly complicated despite continued efforts by the London club to persuade him to make the switch, Spanish newspaper AS reports.

Atletico have given Alvarez until Sunday to decide his future, with Arsenal and Manchester City also interested in signing the Argentina international, according to Sky Sports.

The Spanish club are understood to be open to selling the 27-year-old before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. However, they want a fee of about £128m for a player who joined Atletico from Manchester City.

Alvarez has missed four days of training with his team-mates as he continues to push for a move to Barcelona. Atletico strongly oppose that proposed destination and have accused the Catalan club of behaving unprofessionally in their dealings over the transfer.

The forward is reported to have made his desire to leave Atletico clear since June. At that time, he said: “I spoke to the people I needed to speak to at Atletico, and the best thing for everyone is to move on. I want to fulfil my dream. It is not the right time to talk about this, but I also cannot hide it. I try to be an honest person.”

Alvarez’s position has left Atletico facing a difficult decision with the transfer deadline approaching. The club must determine whether to keep a player who wants to leave, or accept a substantial offer before the market closes.

Arsenal’s interest has added another option to the situation, but the reported conversation between Alvarez and Arteta suggests the striker is not considering a move to the Emirates Stadium. Manchester City are also monitoring developments, while Barcelona remain the player’s preferred choice.

Any agreement with Barcelona would still have to satisfy Atletico’s financial demands and resolve the club’s concerns about the way the Catalan side have handled the matter. The Madrid club’s reported willingness to sell is therefore dependent on receiving the required fee and reaching a conclusion before Tuesday’s deadline.

Alvarez joined Atletico after leaving Manchester City and has since become the focus of intense transfer speculation. His public comments in June indicated that he believed a departure would be the best outcome for all parties, but his preferred move to Barcelona has not been accepted by Atletico.

With Sunday set as the club’s deadline for a decision, the coming days will determine whether Alvarez remains at Atletico, moves to Barcelona or sees another club attempt to meet the Spanish side’s valuation.