Arsenal retain an interest in Atletico Madrid centre-forward Julian Alvarez, who remains keen on a switch to Barcelona
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal remain keen on Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez
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Julian Alvarez reported back at Atletico Madrid today for pre-season testing following his involvement with Argentina at the World Cup.
It's why we are likely to see more noise regarding his future and there should be clarity on whether he will actually stay with Atletico this summer as the club are currently intimating.
Alvarez is under contract at the Metropolitano but behind the scenes, he has been pushing for a transfer to Barcelona. However, Barca have been threatened with legal action after unsettling the ex-Manchester City forward.
So what next? Well, the Spanish media have reported that Alvarez would like to hold talks with Diego Simeone so he can inform his manager how he feels now the dust has settled.
Transfer talk got out of hand earlier this summer and Alvarez then opted to knuckle down and focus on the World Cup.
But even though time has passed, his intention to depart remains. It's also claimed his relationship with Simeone deteriorated at the back end of last season when Alvarez put his body on the line and played through the pain barrier after suffering an ankle injury.
The Atletico boss is believed to be back in the building on Wednesday as his staff and players are resting following their friendly with Manchester City in Seoul.
Where do Arsenal come into play? Well their admiration for the striker dates back to his time at City. He's now spent two seasons with Atletico and there's a sense of frustration that they are not currently competing for the big prizes.
They were beaten by Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final and Alvarez wants the club's ambition to match his own. Arsenal would be prepared to spend big on him but still, his preference is to join Barca.
Julian Alvarez of Argentina
Julian Alvarez finished second at the World Cup with Argentina(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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If Atletico decide they will facilitate his departure but only if he joins a club outside of Spain, the Gunners will be presented with an opportunity. If they can entice Alvarez into a move back to the Premier League, they will stand a chance of getting their man.
But that's a lot of ifs and buts. Right now, Atletico hold all the cards but the fact Arsenal failed to sign Vinicius Junior may actually go in their favour because they have funds at their disposal and there's scope to improve their attack.
"The situation is very clear; the club made a decision that Miguel Angel has explained very well," Simeone recently said ahead of facing City in South Korea.
"From a sporting perspective, we are very happy to have a player like Julian. We will certainly help him continue to grow and improve, and to keep giving us the best of what he has offered over these years, which is a great deal."
Once Alvarez sits down with Simeone, we'll be able to gauge the direction of travel.
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