Atletico set Sunday deadline as Alvarez weighs Arsenal move
Atletico Madrid have given Julian Alvarez until Sunday to decide whether he stays or considers a move to Arsenal, as football transfer news around the Premier League champions builds before the 1 September deadline. The Argentina striker has missed three consecutive training sessions and will not face Sevilla, while Atletico insist they will never sell him to Barcelona.
Key Takeaways
- Atletico Madrid set a Sunday deadline for Julian Alvarez to choose between staying or opening talks with Arsenal.
- Barcelona remains off limits; CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said Alvarez will "never, ever" be sold there.
- Alvarez missed three days of training and is absent for Saturday's La Liga trip to Sevilla.
- Arsenal view him as their top late-window target but will not negotiate until he shows serious interest.
- Diego Simeone says he will welcome Alvarez back and help him feel important when training resumes.
Why has Atletico Madrid set a deadline for Julian Alvarez?
The saga escalated after Alvarez publicly pursued a move to Barcelona, his preferred destination. Atletico responded with two statements in 24 hours, and Gil Marin said on Friday that Alvarez is "completely confused" after being misled about his options.
According to Sky Sports, the club now wants clarity: either commit to Atletico or accept that a Premier League exit—most likely via Arsenal—is the realistic alternative. Gil Marin stressed Alvarez is "a great person, a great professional and an excellent footballer," but the uncertainty cannot drag on indefinitely.
What are Arsenal's chances of signing Alvarez?
The Independent reports that the 26-year-old is Arsenal's top target and the Gunners continue to monitor developments. However, Sky Sports notes that from Arsenal's perspective nothing has changed: they believe a deal remains unlikely until Alvarez signals genuine willingness to join Mikel Arteta's squad.
Arteta refused to be drawn on the links on Thursday, telling reporters that players with doubts should "come and knock on my door." Those close to the situation in Spain also believe that without prompt clarity from the player, he is increasingly likely to remain in Madrid.
A London move would also shift where Alvarez bases himself off the pitch—a crossover we explore in our Luxury Real Estate & Dream Homes coverage, where elite relocations and property trends often follow blockbuster transfers.
Will Alvarez play for Atletico against Sevilla?
No. Diego Simeone confirmed the forward will not travel for Saturday's match at Sevilla. The BBC reports Alvarez missed his third consecutive training session on Friday, with Simeone citing that he is not currently in good health.
Simeone insisted the squad remains focused, saying: "The boys are working very well." He added that when Alvarez returns, "I will do everything I can to make him feel important," and that "as long as you have your health, everything in life can be turned around."
What happens if Alvarez chooses to stay?
Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions last season and remains a key figure when available. Tim Vickery told Sky Sports that Atletico fans would "probably take him back" if no move materialises, describing him as "a wonderful player, a striker with the soul of a midfielder."
With Alexander Sorloth also injured, Atletico face Sevilla short-handed up front. The transfer window closes on 1 September, leaving Alvarez little time to resolve the most consequential decision of his summer.