**Arsenal’s hopes of signing Julián Álvarez have received an unexpected new twist after Diego Simeone decided not to start the Atlético Madrid forward during an escalating dispute over his future.**
The Argentina international will not start Atlético’s La Liga opener against Málaga after returning to the club with his future unresolved.
It represents a significant change in the picture just 10 days after Simeone appeared to close the door firmly on an Álvarez move away from Madrid.
Reuters reports that Simeone has decided to leave Álvarez out of his starting side while the uncertainty surrounding the 26-year-old continues.
Álvarez has made clear that he would like a transfer, with Barcelona his preferred destination, but Atlético have repeatedly refused to strengthen a direct La Liga rival.
That stance could become increasingly significant for Arsenal.
The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Atlético would prefer Álvarez to join Arsenal rather than Barcelona if they eventually sanction his departure.
It creates a remarkable reversal from the situation Arsenal faced earlier this month.
[ReadArsenal reported on 9 August that Simeone appeared to shut down the Julián Álvarez speculation](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/09/what-diego-simeone-just-said-in-seoul-shuts-down-julian-alvarez-to-arsenal-rumours-once-and-for-all/) after insisting Atlético had made their decision and expected the forward to remain.
Less than two weeks later, his future is once again dominating the conversation in Madrid.
Arsenal should not interpret that as evidence a transfer is suddenly close.
Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has taken an extremely firm public position over keeping Álvarez, while Barcelona remain the player’s preferred destination.
However, Arsenal’s route has always depended on Atlético refusing to negotiate with their domestic rivals.
The longer the standoff continues, the more relevant that becomes.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already strengthened their attack with Christos Tzolis this summer, but Richard Garlick confirmed this week that Arsenal remain prepared to act if the right transfer opportunity appears.
Few opportunities would be bigger than Álvarez suddenly becoming genuinely available.