Argentine striker Julián Alvarez is on the outs at Atlético Madrid, with Arsenal the only destination for him to land should he leave the Spanish club.
Atlético have made it clear that they refuse to sell him to rivals Barcelona, but the Gunners have expressed interest in Alvarez during their pursuit of Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.
Mikel Arteta has in-form Kai Havertz as well as Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino as options for the number-nine spot, but an Alvarez coup would establish a secure option for the position.
Barcelona a no-go
“Neither [Atlético CEO] Miguel Gil Marín nor the Apollo board want to sell the player to Barcelona,” Atlético expert and journalist Ruben Uría told Sky Sports.
“The entire Apollo board supports Gil Marín’s decision. Alvarez has been told.”
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The blame game
“Julián and his agent believe that everything that’s happening is the fault of Gil Marín, Atlético Madrid’s CEO, who publicly asked them to say they wanted to leave Atlético,” Uría added.
“For their part, Atlético Madrid argues that Julián already knew how Atlético played under Diego Simeone when he signed for the club, that he knew what contract he was signing and what its clause was, and they deny that Atlético told him he could leave for a direct rival.
“We are waiting to see how events unfold regarding Julián, waiting to see how Arsenal reacts, and if they have genuine interest in the Argentina player.”
Stay or North London
“Our information today is that the Julián Alvarez situation has become very tense,” Uría concluded.
“And according to several reliable sources, right now, in this crucial week, there are only two paths: stay at Atlético Madrid to fulfil his contract or listen to Arsenal’s offer and sign for the London club.
“Julián will have to make his decision.”
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