Atletico Madrid submit official bid for Julian Alvarez replacement with Arsenal on red alert
Julian Alvarez is expected to decide his future before deadline day
Atlético Madrid have launched a bid for Juventus forward Jonathan David, it has been claimed. The move comes as Julian Alvarez continues to push for a new challenge away from the club, with Arsenal among those interested. The Argentine has missed three training sessions this week and was absent from Atletico's 3-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday night.
Arsenal remain one of the frontrunners to sign the 26‑year‑old, who has been handed an ultimatum by the La Liga side. Atletico are said to have given Alvarez until Sunday to decide his future and indicate whether he is willing to move to Arsenal or remain at the club.
He has been vocal about wanting to join Barcelona, but Atletico have made it clear that selling to a direct rival is not an 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.
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"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."
With an exit still possible before the transfer deadline, Atleti have submitted a loan bid to Juventus for David, according to Fabrizio Romano. The offer is understood to include a buy‑option clause.
Talks remain ongoing as the clubs work through the details of the proposal, but the Canada international is open to joining the La Liga side. Juventus, however, must secure a replacement before any deal can be finalised.
Arsenal remain in the market for a marquee forward, having already been rebuffed by Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior - the former joining Chelsea for £117million and the latter opting to stay at Real Madrid.
Their options up front are narrowing, with Gabriel Martinelli agreeing a move to Al‑Hilal and Gabriel Jesus also close to completing a transfer to Barcelona.
Arsenal will hope Barcelona's move for Jesus convinces Alvarez to look elsewhere. He is said to have told Mikel Arteta he did not want to join Arsenal when the pair spoke. Whether that stance shifts now that a move to Barcelona is off the table remains to be seen.
After reports of Arteta's conversation with Alvarez emerged, the Spaniard was asked in his press conference whether he had spoken to the Gunners' target. Arteta replied: "Don't go there."
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