Online Reporter
JULIAN ALVAREZ has been told to get his head down at Atletico Madrid or accept a move to Arsenal, according to reports.
The Argentine striker faces an uncertain future after demanding an exit and failing to seal a dream move to Barcelona this summer.
He was jeered by fans after coming on as a sub in their 2-2 draw against Villarreal in LaLiga.
The 26-year-old was not in the squad for 2-0 win over Malaga days later and the situation is now “extremely tense”, Sky Sports have reported.
Alvarez is said to be “devastated” by both the hostile reception from supporters and being told he will not be allowed to join Barcelona.
Arsenal are the only other option for Alvarez but the Gunners are not hopeful of sealing a seismic move for the player, the reports.
However, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta — who helped negotiate Alvarez’s switch from Man City in 2024 —has been in contact with his former employers in recent days.
And Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Martin is ready to listen to an offer of £130million from Arsenal if it arrives, the report adds.
Some figures at Atletico believe it is “increasingly impossible” for Alvarez to stay at the club given the toxic situation. Should Arsenal complete a mega deal for Alvarez, it would be only their second £100m+ arrival after Declan Rice‘s £105m move in 2023.
Spanish journalist Ruben Uria told Sky: “Julian and his agent believe that everything that’s happening is the fault of Gil Marín, Atletico Madrid‘s CEO, who publicly asked them to say they wanted to leave Atletico.
“We are waiting to see how events unfold regarding Julian, waiting to see how Arsenal reacts, and if they have genuine interest in the Argentina player. Atletico Madrid will not sell to Barcelona.”
Alvarez is seen as one of the world’s best forwards after netting 49 goals in 107 outings for the Spanish club. He joined in an £81m move from Man City, where he scored 36 times in 103 games but became second fiddle to Erling Haaland.
This week, Atletico boss Diego Simeone backed the club’s stance on Alvarez after leaving him out of the Malaga game. But he opened the door to Alvarez returning to the squad once he had been given more time for his head to clear.
He said: “Miguel Angel is the club’s owner. Nothing is more definitive than the club’s owner, it’s crystal clear. “It’s like when a judge hands down a ruling: ‘Dismissed’.
“What he said is crystal clear. From a sports perspective, we want to look out for the person, the player, so he can continue to uphold his reputation.
“We don’t see him playing in this game. I hope that over the next four days, he’ll be closer to where we want him to be.”—Sun.
