Atletico Madrid set non-negotiables for Julian Alvarez transfer as Arsenal set to make decision
Julian Alvarez stayed at Atletico Madrid after a summer of transfer speculation and interest from Arsenal(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid have two non-negotiables for the sale of Julian Alvarez in the future. Arsenal were keen to sign the Argentina star, who was also the subject of public interest from Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta reached out to the player in the hope of persuading him to move to the Emirates, but ultimately the Gunners did not complete a transfer for the Atletico forward. Instead, Alvarez decided to remain at the Metropolitano despite having irked his supporters and received a harsh reception.
Clearly, Atletico believe that Alvarez's desire to depart is not yet finished. They have decided, according to Marca, to set out two ground rules if he continues to explore his options.
The La Liga giants want to establish a market value for his sale and also to have complete transparency in negotiations from any interested club and the player's agent.
Atletico were frustrated with Barcelona's advances during the summer transfer window and ultimately chose not to do business with their Spanish counterparts. While the Catalan club publicly revealed their frustrations that Atletico were willing to speak to other clubs, Diego Simeone's side were said to have reported Barca to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in July over alleged unethical approaches.
"The player is being portrayed as the victim, but the only victims in the Julian case are us," said one Atletico statement.
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"There is a zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca. This situation isn't about money; it's about dignity. The only ones paying the price for all this are Atletico."
Former Manchester City star Alavrez was reluctant to return to England and Atletico boss Simeone is happy to have the 26-year-old at his disposal. The former midfielder isn't concerned that his charge had wanted to play elsewhere.
He said: "As far as we're concerned, he's a very decisive person, clear in his thinking. I congratulate him because sometimes ego makes us think we're in a position we shouldn't be in.
Julian Alvarez was a transfer target for Arsenal(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"We're very happy with everything he brings to the team. It's what he feels."
Simeone continued: "I always look ahead; we have a very exciting season ahead, with many challenges and talented players, and we'll take it one game at a time.
"I'm very clear about it: for me, life is full of opportunities. And Julian now has one. We often spend our time judging, and we need to worry about doing it less and learning more. I hope this has been a learning experience for him."
As for Arsenal, they will make a decision on whether to make a new attempt to sign the player or not come the January window.
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