Julian Alvarez team-mate comments on Arsenal transfer target's future
Julian Alvarez wanted to leave Atletico Madrid in the summer(Image: Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill has shed light on Julian Alvarez's future, insisting his team‑mates will help him get back to his best and that the club are 'lucky' to still have him after a turbulent summer. The Argentine made it clear he wanted to leave Atletico, with both Arsenal and Barcelona linked with a move for his signature.
The Gunners have been long‑term admirers of the 26‑year‑old, especially after seeing Gabriel Martinelli depart for Al Hilal, followed by exits for Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. However, Alvarez's preference was always to join Barcelona - a move Atletico refused to sanction, despite reportedly holding talks with their rivals over a potential transfer.
Alvarez, along with his team‑mates, lived through the chaotic summer first‑hand, but ultimately, he stayed at the Wanda Metropolitano when the window slammed shut at the start of the month.
Speaking about the situation, Atletico defender Pubill said : "We experienced it inside the dressing room in the same way as people did from the outside.
"Julian is a spectacular player, extremely good, and luckily we have him here. We’re all going to enjoy having him. We will help him. Hopefully he gives us his maximum because he’s a top player."
Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticised Atletico for their conduct throughout the saga surrounding Alvarez's future.
"We were getting information that they were putting Alvarez up for sale, but in the end they took off the mask and said they were selling it to anyone but Barca," Laporta stated. "We were always transparent.
"We talked to Gil Marin [Atletico's CEO], we presented an offer. They replied that they had no alternative and we urged them to be able to talk if they had it. I don't understand what that disproportionate reaction came to next."
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Alvarez has made three La Liga appearances for Atletico since the transfer window closed but has yet to start a match. He was recently sidelined for two games with muscular problems before returning in the 2‑1 win over rivals Real Madrid, where he played 28 minutes.
Whether Arsenal act in the New Year when the window reopens on January 1 remains to be seen. It's also unclear whether Atletico would be willing to part with Alvarez before the season concludes.
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