Arsenal get Julian Alvarez transfer deadline day update after Viktor Gyokeres bench mystery
Arsenal have been prepared to do a big-money deal with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez
When Viktor Gyokeres was an unused substitute for the second successive Premier League match last night against Aston Villa, speculation began to swirl.
Was it an indicator of potential movement before the deadline? It seems highly unlikely. The reason is that while Kai Havertz has reinstated himself as Mikel Arteta's No.1 centre-forward, Gyokeres is still a valued member of the squad.
It shouldn't be forgotten that he was Arsenal's top goalscorer last season across all competitions, even if he lost his place in the side to Kai Havertz for the Champions League final.
Arteta also confirmed following the 4-1 friendly win over Girona that Gyokeres would be staying this summer despite links to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
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For Arsenal to consider a sale, particularly this late in the window, they would need a guaranteed replacement and upgrade ready. Perhaps Julian Alvarez would have been that player but it's now emerged he is training with Atletico Madrid this morning.
Arsenal have been monitoring his situation all summer and were ready to strike if they received intel from Alvarez or his people that he'd be willing to return to England and sign for the Premier League champions.
However, it seems he'd prefer to stay in Spain, even at Atletico Madrid, where his relationship with the club's supporters has soured due to his wish to leave for Barca.
Julian Alvarez is training with Atletico Madrid today, suggesting a deadline day transfer to Arsenal is off the table(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The fact Alvarez has been reintegrated into Atletico training and that he's present on deadline day indicates the chances of a late move to Arsenal are incredibly minimal, having already looked slim.
Alvarez knows the Arsenal option has been on the table for some time but there's never once been any kind of indication that he was prepared to make the jump.
Furthermore, Arteta has always said he only wants to sign players that want to be at the club, though the Spaniard acknowledged in a press conference last Thursday that sometimes other factors, such as family or agents, can influence a player's decision.
At Atletico, the plan is for Alvarez to participate in a full week of training and then be included in the squad to face Athletic Club, once the deadline has passed.
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