Arsenal on red alert as Julian Alvarez misses training again after talks over move

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Wantaway Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez was absent from training for the third day in a row amid intense speculation surrounding his future.

The news comes as Spanish publication SPORT claims the 26-year-old held a meeting with his advisors on Thursday to discuss whether to join Arsenal.

SPORT understands Alvarez is yet to decide whether to give up on joining Barcelona, however, with Camp Nou believed to be his preferred destination.

Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterated on Thursday that the club will not sell Alvarez to Barcelona, saying he is “repulsed” by their “lack of ethics”.

In a video which circulated on their official club channels earlier this week, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club still wanted to sign Alvarez - to the anger of Atletico.

“My personal dream is for Julian Alvarez to stay at Atleti,” Gil Marin told Spanish outlet Movistar via Sky Sports.

“If he wants to leave the club, we will look for an alternative, but he will never, ever, ever go to Barcelona.”

Atletico chief Gil Marin added that Alvarez is currently in “poor health” because of people “who have taken it upon themselves to deceive and confuse him.”

“We are outraged and repulsed by this lack of ethics,” he added. “We are not going to negotiate with Barcelona.”

Arsenal have made Alvarez their dream signing

BBC Sport understands Arsenal have made Alvarez their top target as they look to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes next week.

The Premier League champions are reportedly ready to make their move for the Argentina striker, should he signal his willingness to move to north London.

STATS

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Julián Alvarez

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

All Tournaments

2025/26

• 49

  Games

• 20

  Goals

• 9

  Assists

View all stats

Atletico director Mateu Alemany met Arsenal counterparts last week and said his club would want €150million (£129m) to part ways with Alvarez, as per BBC Sport.

Arsenal have been looking to make a marquee signing up top all summer, with Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers among their previous targets.

Mikel Arteta’s side have also been credited with an interest in Juventus ace Kenan Yildiz but Alvarez is thought to be their dream signing.

Alvarez is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world

Alvarez has developed a reputation as one of the most complete forwards in Europe since joining Atletico from Manchester City in August 2024.

He has registered 49 goals and 17 assists in 107 games for Diego Simeone’s side, though he is yet to win a trophy at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Alvarez has also netted 15 times across 59 caps for Argentina, with whom he won the World Cup at Qatar 2022. He also helped them reach this summer’s showpiece in North America.

The attacker is contracted to Atletico until 2030 and has a release clause worth a staggering €500million (£427.4m).

He was heavily jeered after making his return for Atletico in last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, having not apologised for saying he wanted to "fulfil my dream" by leaving the club in June.

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