Arsenal handed fresh Julian Alvarez update as transfer deadline looms
Arsenal target Julian Alvarez has returned to Atletico Madrid training after several days of absence as uncertainty over his future enters the final stages of the transfer window.
The Argentine rejoined group training on Sunday after missing Atletico’s sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning because of what the Spanish club described as an illness.
Alvarez had progressed to individual work with a fitness coach on Friday afternoon but was subsequently omitted from Atletico’s squad for Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla.
His return to full training suggests Diego Simeone can begin reintegrating the forward, although it does not necessarily bring an end to the transfer saga surrounding him.
Atletico director Mateu Alemany insisted before the Sevilla game that Alvarez had simply been unwell and said the club expected him to become available again quickly.
“I’ve been speaking to him as normal,” Alemany said.
The timing is nevertheless significant because Arsenal have very little time remaining to determine whether an extraordinary late deal can be completed.
Atletico have categorically refused to negotiate with Barcelona, despite Alvarez previously identifying a move to the Catalan club as his preferred outcome.
That has left Arsenal as the most realistic external destination should the 26-year-old decide that he wants to leave the Metropolitano before Tuesday’s deadline.
The financial obstacle is considerable, with Atletico seeking a package worth around €150 million to sanction his departure.
However, convincing Alvarez himself appears to remain Arsenal’s biggest challenge.
Ornstein nevertheless stressed that the situation could still change before the window closes, particularly with Atletico refusing to entertain Barcelona’s interest.
That leaves Arsenal facing a delicate decision over how long they continue pursuing Arteta’s preferred attacking target.
The Gunners have maintained their interest throughout the summer despite knowing Alvarez’s preference was Barcelona, believing the Spanish champions would struggle to complete the transfer.
That calculation has proved correct as far as Barcelona are concerned, but Arsenal still need the player to change his mind.
Alvarez’s return to training therefore represents another important development without providing a definitive answer.
Atletico are preparing as though the forward could remain part of their squad, while Arsenal’s opportunity depends on a dramatic change in his position during the final hours.
With Tuesday’s deadline approaching, the saga is finally reaching the point where Alvarez must either embrace the possibility of joining Arsenal or remain in Madrid.
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