Julian Alvarez will be absent from Atletico Madrid's squad to face Malaga with Diego Simeone issuing an update on his future at Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez during an Atletico Madrid training session
Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez returned to Atletico Madrid last week but will not play against Malaga(Image: (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Arsenal have been handed an update on Julian Alvarez with Diego Simeone revealing he will miss Atletico Madrid's La Liga clash against Malaga on Wednesday. The Argentine has been strongly linked to Barcelona with the Gunners later emerging as a possible destination.
Alvarez only recently returned to Madrid following his World Cup final participation with Argentina. His uncertain future and availability was a dominant topic in Simeone's press conference on Tuesday morning and he revealed that Alvarez will not feature.
Via the Spanish outlet Marca, he said: "I still think the same way. I take care of the sporting side. We've been talking as we always do. From a sporting perspective, we need more training sessions with him so he can improve. He's one of the best attacking players... if not the best."
Simeone also re-iterated the club's Alvarez transfer stance with a legal dispute between them and Barcelona sparked following approaches from the former.
He said: "I think if the club owner spoke so bluntly about what he said, that's all there is to it, it's more than clear. This is like when you go to court... there's nothing more to it. We take care of the person and the player, we understand that he's not in condition to play in this match."
Atletico have made it abundantly clear they will not sell to Barcelona, but Arsenal represents a realistic destination with Alvarez viewed as a marquee alternative to Vinicius Jr.
Despite the firm position, Hansi Flick's side remain Alvarez's dream club, though it's yet to be determined whether they possess the financial resources to pull off a deal having just brought in Rodri from Manchester City.
Arsenal could unintentionally assist their competitors for Alvarez's signature with Jules Kounde being weighed up as an alternative to both Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah.
Jarell Quansah before an England game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Arsenal are interested in Jarell Quansah this summer
View 2 Images
The Bayer Leverkusen defender has recently emerged as a potential option for Mikel Arteta to cover the various absences of Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
His ability to operate both centrally in defence and at right-back is a crucial element in their pursuit, although Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera both put in solid performances during the Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
Myles Lewis-Skelly also caught the eye and delivered an outstanding assist while his future continues to attract scrutiny after Chelsea and Manchester United were presented with the opportunity to secure his services.