Julian Alvarez is weighing up a potential move to Arsenal after holding a five-hour meeting with his family and representatives over his Atletico Madrid future.
The Argentina international has spent much of the summer favouring Barcelona, but Atletico have now publicly ruled out negotiating with their La Liga rivals.
That has left Alvarez with two realistic options: remain in Madrid or reconsider Arsenal’s proposal as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta continue to watch developments.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Julián Álvarez has a medical certificate from a doctor stating that he is suffering from depression. 😳😢
The Argentine is being blocked by Atlético Madrid, who do not want to allow him to join his dream club, Barcelona. ❌
His depression has caused him to… pic.twitter.com/5eEVqSoLjm
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 28, 2026
Julian Alvarez Arsenal decision moves closer
Cadena SER reports that Alvarez met with his family, agent Fernando Hidalgo and legal team for more than five hours as they discussed what to do next.
The Spanish outlet says Arsenal were one of the two routes considered during those talks.
The alternative would see Alvarez remain at Atletico and attempt to rebuild his relationship with the club and supporters.
There is still no final decision.
However, the development represents further movement from Wednesday, when ReadArsenal reported that Alvarez’s future could be decided by Friday.
Alvarez’s situation has continued to develop on Friday.
Cadena SER says the forward missed Atletico training for a third consecutive day and is now set to miss Saturday’s match against Sevilla.
His recent training absences have been attributed to illness rather than an attempt to force a transfer.
Arsenal still waiting for Alvarez green light
Arsenal should not be considered close to completing a deal yet.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal still regard signing Alvarez before the window closes as very unlikely and would need strong encouragement from the player before beginning formal negotiations with Atletico.
There is already regular dialogue between Berta and Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin because of their previous working relationship, but that does not amount to an agreement over Alvarez.
The significant change concerns the player’s options.
Barcelona had been Alvarez’s preferred destination, but Atletico have now categorically ruled out selling him to the Catalan club. Sky reports that the 26-year-old has subsequently started considering whether Arsenal could be the right alternative.
Arsenal have maintained their interest throughout the summer and ReadArsenal has previously covered direct contact between the clubs over Alvarez.
The next development now rests largely with the player.
If Alvarez gives Arsenal sufficient encouragement to pursue the move, the Gunners would then face the considerable task of reaching an agreement with Atletico during the final days of the window.
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