Julian Alvarez transfer saga: Arsenal and Barcelona interest collide as deadline approaches

Transfer window enters final hours with Alvarez's future unresolved

With less than two days remaining before the transfer deadline, Julian Alvarez's future at Atletico Madrid remains uncertain. The Argentine forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal, with reports of a £128 million potential transfer to north London, while the player has consistently expressed a preference for Barcelona.

Alvarez returned to Atletico Madrid training on Sunday, as reported by multiple outlets, after missing three training sessions last week. The club described his absence as an "indisposition," according to the Mirror as cited by The Daily Star. He was also omitted from Diego Simeone's squad for Saturday's 3-1 victory at Sevilla. Alvarez's return to training came amid continued speculation about his future.

Arsenal's interest and the player's stance

Arsenal have been attentive to Alvarez's situation and are working to make a potential move to London easier for the Argentine and his extended family, according to TEAMtalk. The outlet reports that Alvarez would, in theory, be willing to move to London but wants to relocate with family members who have been living with him in the suburbs of Madrid. This creates additional logistical considerations, including visas and accommodation, but Arsenal are reportedly aware of these demands and have indicated they would facilitate the move.

However, The Athletic's David Ornstein, speaking to TNT Sports, offered a more cautious assessment. "At the time of reporting, there is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to Arsenal," Ornstein said. "Atletico Madrid would do a deal with Arsenal. Arsenal are prepared to reach a club-to-club agreement, but they would want the player to want to join them."

Ornstein added: "Alvarez has shown no indication of wanting to join at this point. He's spoken to Mikel Arteta and said that he doesn't want to come. That could change, these situations are always movable, so I don't want to say it won't happen, but right now, it's not developing."

Despite Arsenal's reported efforts, Ornstein indicated that the player has no current desire to move to the Premier League. TEAMtalk, however, reports that discussions have included the possibility of a future Barcelona clause being incorporated into any potential Arsenal agreement, with Barcelona reportedly making it clear they could return for Alvarez in 2027.

Atletico's position and Jonathan David deal

Atletico Madrid have been firm in their stance that Alvarez will not move to Barcelona. According to TEAMtalk, the club issued a statement last week reiterating that a move to the Nou Camp is not an option. The club is reportedly willing to sanction a sale to Arsenal for £128 million, as reported by The Daily Star.

Atletico have also reportedly agreed a loan deal with an option to buy for Jonathan David, according to the Evening Standard. The Canada international is not expected to have any impact on Alvarez's situation, with Spanish publication Marca stating that David is seen as an asset to raise the level of Atletico's attack that will include Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth. The Marca report, as cited by the Evening Standard, states that "barring any last-minute unexpected changes" Alvarez will still be an Atletico player after Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona

As the saga unfolds, Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, according to TEAMtalk. The Brazilian forward has been linked with a departure from the Emirates Stadium throughout the summer. The Daily Star reports that Gabriel Jesus is "on the verge of sealing a dream switch to Barcelona," with the move potentially making room for Alvarez at Arsenal.

The Evening Standard reports that Alvarez rejoined the group on Sunday and could feature against Athletic Club on September 5, suggesting his immediate future may lie in Spain unless the final hours of the window bring a dramatic change.