Atletico Madrid players make Julian Alvarez feelings clear after Arsenal transfer target's decision
Julian Alvarez returned to training with Atletico Madrid on Sunday(Image: Europa Press 2026)
Atletico Madrid players have seemingly welcomed Julian Alvarez back into the fold despite his transfer saga this summer. Alvarez, 26, has been linked with both Barcelona and Arsenal throughout the summer.
He recently sat out of three training sessions in a row as a result of illness. However, the timing was conspicuous as he had been booed and jeered by his own fans during Atletico's recent draw with Villarreal, before being ushered down the tunnel by staff.
It was yesterday claimed Alvarez has informed Mikel Arteta he does not want to move to Arsenal this summer, but Atletico imposed a hard deadline of this Sunday for his future to be decided, which suggests a move may still be possible.
Despite the frequent links with a move out of the club, his team-mates have offered him a warm welcome back. His international compatriot Cristian Romero, who moved to Atletico from Tottenham this summer, was particularly close with Alvarez on his return to training, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
Moreover, it's also been said fellow Argentine Juan Musso also spent a lot of time with him during the session. Alvarez played as the No. 9 in a practice training match.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
He was up against the club's academy players, where his display received plenty of compliments from the club's coaching staff.
Alvarez was not involved in Atletico's most recent La Liga fixture, a 3-1 away victory over Sevilla. Instead, Ademola Lookman and Alex Baena led the line to great success, as both got on the scoresheet with the latter grabbing a brace.
Cristian Romero kept a particular eye on Julian Alvarez in training(Image: Europa Press 2026)
Speaking after the victory, when asked about Alvarez's future, Simeone replied: "I'm not saying this now because of Julian. But I always say that something can always happen. Every year I say it. It's football and something can always happen, but I'm not saying this for any special reason."
Arsenal have been in the market for a marquee forward signing but recent reports have suggested Alvarez could be the latest attacker not to move to north London.
Julian Alvarez has been linked with Arsenal all summer(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta's side have already been snubbed by Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior, who move to Chelsea for £117million and stayed at Real Madrid respectively.
The Gunners' options up-front are shrinking as Gabriel Martinelli has agreed a transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal while Gabriel Jesus is also on the verge of a move to Barcelona.
Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.