With Barcelona and Arsenal interested, a potential Julian Alvarez departure threatened to be one of the transfer sagas of the summer. But after that initial promise, it seems that the World Cup winner might now stay put at Atletico Madrid.
The former Manchester City star set tongues wagging when he reportedly showed a strong interest in moving to Barcelona. But it seems that any gossip around Alvarez's exit has been silenced, with Atletico now supposedly building their squad around Alvarez as the first-choice striker.
Alvarez was integral to Atletico's Champions League semi-final run this season, contributing 14 goal contributions in 15 games in the competition.
Alvarez rebuffs Arsenal, as Atletico and Barca tensions amplify
Julian Alvarez
Barcelona always have a significant pull in the transfer market, but Atletico's long-time CEO Gil Marin is refusing to sell to their La Liga rivals on this occasion. And following Atletico's controversial social media posts, which saw Barcelona accused of lying in relation to a bid for Alvarez, the deal has become "absolutely stalled", according to a report from Spanish outlet Cadena SER.
With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid's relationship frayed to say the least, Arsenal now supposedly remain the only viable option for Alvarez. However, the Argentinian attacker has reportedly outright refused a move to the Premier League champions, not wanting to make the move to London, suggesting that it is Barcelona or bust.
Alvarez, who won the Premier League twice with Manchester City, is not willing to force a move and will most likely remain at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano next season.
What next in the summer window for Arsenal, Atletico, and Barcelona?
Mikel Arteta waving to the Arsenal crowd
With the Alvarez deal seemingly dead in the water for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta is reportedly eyeing a striker with a little more time on his side. Bournemouth's teenage sensation Eli Junior Kroupi is next on the list for Arsenal, who is also attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Kroupi made history during Bournemouth's stellar campaign, notching 13 goals in his debut Premier League season. The haul broke the record for the highest goal tally in a debut Premier League season by a teenager, surpassing the joint record held by Robbie Fowler and Robbie Keane.
As for Atletico, their battle with Barcelona could be set for another twist. As well as registering an interest in Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella, Diego Simeone's side are keeping tabs on departing Man City star Bernardo Silva. Atletico are confident of securing a deal, but the Portugal international also remains interested in a move to the Nou Camp.
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Arsenal are preparing for a strong summer window.