Julian Alvarez makes Atletico Madrid decision as clock ticks down on Arsenal deadline
Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: (Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images))
Julian Alvarez has returned to training with Atletico Madrid as he continues to consider his options amid interest from Arsenal. Alvarez had missed three training sessions earlier this week and was absent from his side’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday night.
Arsenal remain a front-runner in the race to sign the Argentine, who was given an ultimatum by the La Liga giants. Atletico are claimed to have given Alvarez until Sunday to make a decision on his future and indicate whether he is open to moving to Arsenal or staying at the club.
Speaking following his side’s victory on Saturday night, Atletico head coach Diego Simeone vowed to welcome Alvarez back into his squad. He said: “I understand that all the questions will be about Julian. The club has been very clear about what will happen.
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“From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him continue being as important as he still is. My focus is on Sevilla, where he won’t be available.
“When he returns, we’ll give him everything he needs to feel important. In life, anything can be reversed, as long as we have our health.”
Atletico have issued two public statements insisting they will not sell Alvarez to their rivals, with a move elsewhere now appearing to be the only realistic option.
"Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico," Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus after Thursday's Champions League league phase draw in Monaco.
Miguel Angel Gil Marin has made his feelings clear(Image: Getty )
“To compete among the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”
Gil Marin continued: "The truth is that it outrages us even more. We are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances.
"I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances; you have my word – which is one of the few things I have – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”
Diego Simeone has spoken about Julian Alvarez(Image: (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images))
Gil Marin also claimed earlier this week Alvarez was in 'poor health' due to the stress of his transfer saga.
He said: “Julian is in poor health, there are people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive and confuse him, he's going through a difficult situation.
“We are outraged and repulsed by the lack of ethics. We are not going to negotiate with Barcelona. The only firm decision is that we are not going to negotiate.
"My personal dream is for Julian Alvarez to stay at Atleti. If he wants to, we'll look for an alternative if he wants to leave the club, but never, never, never is he going to go to Barcelona."
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