Arsenal target Julian Alvarez has endured a frayed relationship with Atletico Madrid in recent weeks but was in training ahead of the club's match against Villarreal
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez returned to training(Image: Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Julian Alvarez was in training with Atletico Madrid on Saturday as the squad prepared to face Villarreal at the Metropolitano this evening. The Arsenal target was not included in Diego Simeone's squad that faced Malaga earlier in the week.
Simeone revealed that the Argentina international was not in the right frame of mind to compete. Asked about his star forward's future, Simeone said: "We always aim to secure the best possible tools, just as we’ve always had. And, well, let’s hope we can assemble the best possible squad between now and the deadline."
And it appears Alvarez could once again be a tool for the Atleti coach to use after emerging in training ground photographs ahead of the La Liga clash. The forward's desire to leave has prompted anger from the fanbase, however.
Signs calling for Alvarez to leave the club appeared around their Majadahonda training complex. Posters said: “JULIAN FUERA” (“JULIAN OUT”) and showed the striker's No. 19 crossed out on Friday morning.
Alvarez's initial return from the World Cup was shrouded in drama. According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, he planned for talks with Simeone and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin but found neither man available at the training ground. Alvarez "exploded" as a result, it was claimed.
The former Manchester City ace has been pushing for a move to Barcelona, something which Atletico have essentially ruled out. A recent report from Spanish newspaper AS claims that Alvarez now views a switch to the Emirates as an alternative, though not something he actively desires.
Julian Alvarez in training
Julian Alvarez is prepared to return for Atletico's match against Villarreal(Image: Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
*FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page*
Mikel Arteta is said to have been in contact with Alvarez over a move but Simeone remains adamant that Alvarez will remain in the Spanish capital.
"Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow," Simeone said in his press conference. "For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives, As long as he’s with the team, I’m going to look after him."
The fanbase, meanwhile, appear to have turned their backs on Alvarez, but Simeone has continued to defend the forward publicly: "I respect our fans, I always have, but I don’t agree with insults or abuse. Every word is being scrutinised by people waiting to create conflict and uncertainty.
"There is no uncertainty. Miguel was very clear. He is our player and we need him."
Content Image
Content Image