Atletico Madrid have completely ruled out the possibility of Julian Alvarez joining Barcelona, but Arsenal still have a chance of completing a deadline-beating swoop
OVIEDO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and Atletico de Madrid at Carlos Tartiere on February 28, 2026 in Oviedo, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez has missed Atletico Madrid training for the third day(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Julian Alvarez missed training for a THIRD day - and will not feature for Atletico Madrid this weekend.
That has really opened the door for Arsenal to make a last-minute push to sign the Atletico striker before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Alvarez missed Friday’s training session before their La Liga game at Sevilla on Saturday which represents a complete breakdown in his relationship with Atletico Madrid.
Argentina star Alvarez has made it clear that he wants to join Barcelona but Atletico are refusing to sell to their La Liga rival but are open to doing business with Arsenal. Alvarez’s absence is making the deal a real possibility.
However, the biggest obstacle to Arsenal’s chances of landing a mega deal is completing their outgoings to clear the way for Alvarez.
Get YOUR Mirror Football Newsletter
Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.
To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:
Gabriel Martinelli is close to completing a £55m move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, they have paid up for the final year on Reiss Nelson’s contract and also want to offload Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.
It promises to be a very busy last few days in the window for Arsenal and they remain very interested on Alvarez with Mikel Arteta a huge fan of the 26-year-old forward.
They could still complete an incredible swoop for Alvarez but time is against them and sporting director Andrea Berta and the Arsenal hierarchy are on board with doing a deal if all the circumstances are right.
Atletico may also want a replacement but Arsenal have been reluctant to countenance a deal which involves Viktor Gyokeres.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 9: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal during the during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
A swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres has been rumoured(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Alvarez is also a versatile forward who can play through the middle, deeper or from the left which would give Arsenal options. However, there is a feeling at Arsenal that if Alvarez does not happen - and they are relaxed about the situation - the squad is still strong enough.
Former Manchester City striker Alvarez would clearly prefer Barcelona over a return to the Premier League but the standoff with Atletico has turned ugly after he missed the last three days of training, originally citing illness as the reason for his absence since Wednesday.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone has insisted that there is a way back for Alvarez and has stressed he remains part of his plans.
Diego Simeone talks to Julian Alvarez during an Atletico Madrid Champions League game
Diego Simeone has said there is a route back for Alvarez once he returns to training(Image: (Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
View 3 Images
Simeone said: “My stance remains the same. From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us. Obviously, Julian won't be available tomorrow.
“Once Julian returns to train with us, we will give him everything we've always given him to make him feel, as he has felt, important, as he is to this team.”
Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image