Arsenal chase Alvarez as Atletico plan striker exit
Arsenal remain actively interested in signing Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with the London club working to make a potential move easier for the 26-year-old Argentina international. Alvarez returned to Atlético training on Sunday after missing three sessions last week, while the Spanish club has reportedly opened talks to sign Juventus striker Jonathan David as a possible replacement — a signal that his summer exit saga may be nearing resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal are still pursuing Julian Alvarez as Atlético Madrid explore signing Jonathan David on loan from Juventus.
- Alvarez trained with Atlético on Sunday but was left out of the squad for Saturday's 3-1 win at Sevilla.
- Liverpool rejected Nottingham Forest's £30m bid for England Under-20 midfielder Trey Nyoni.
- Fulham have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over Sweden midfielder Hugo Larsson.
- Newcastle and Juventus have reached a verbal agreement for a loan move for Germany forward Nick Woltemade, with no buy option.
Why is Julian Alvarez still at Atlético Madrid?
Julian Alvarez has spent much of the summer pushing to leave Atlético Madrid, with Barcelona widely reported as his preferred destination. His efforts have so far failed: he missed training on multiple occasions after publicly asking to leave during a World Cup interview, citing illness, though Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has stood firm that the club will not negotiate with Barcelona.
On Friday, Gil Marín reiterated that stance with "absolute certainty," while leaving the door open to a departure elsewhere if Alvarez wishes. The Argentina international returned to group training at Cerro del Espino on Sunday — his first session since missing Wednesday and Thursday — after working individually on Friday. Atlético said he was "unwell," with Gil Marín describing Alvarez as "confused" and in a "very difficult situation, both personally and professionally."
Coach Diego Simeone left Alvarez out of the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-1 La Liga victory at Sevilla, where Álex Baena scored twice. "It's a personal process," Simeone said post-match. "We're here to help him in a sporting sense and for him to help us, because he's an extraordinary player."
Could Arsenal sign Alvarez before the transfer deadline?
With Barcelona blocked and time running out before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, Arsenal have emerged as Alvarez's most likely destination according to the London Evening Standard — despite reports the player is hesitant about returning to the Premier League. The BBC also reports Arsenal are "actively working" to make a potential move easier for Alvarez and his entourage.
Arsenal's prospects may have improved after Atlético reportedly lodged a formal offer to sign Juventus forward Jonathan David on loan with an option to buy. Fabrizio Romano reports the two clubs are now locked in talks, and David is said to be open to the move — though Juventus want to sign a replacement first. David joined Juventus from Lille last summer and scored six times in 36 Serie A appearances.
The pursuit of David suggests Atlético are bracing either for Alvarez to leave or to play a diminished role should he stay. It remains unclear whether Arsenal will submit a formal bid. For more transfer-market analysis, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage hub.
What else is happening in Monday's transfer gossip?
Beyond the Alvarez saga, several other deals are moving across Europe. Liverpool have rejected a £30m bid from Nottingham Forest for 19-year-old England Under-20 midfielder Trey Nyoni, according to the Athletic.
Fulham have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign 22-year-old Sweden midfielder Hugo Larsson. Newcastle and Juventus, meanwhile, have reached a verbal agreement over a loan move — with no buy option — for 24-year-old Germany forward Nick Woltemade.
For the latest confirmed developments on Alvarez's situation, BBC Sport's transfer gossip roundup offers authoritative daily updates as the deadline approaches.