Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has been one of the most talked about names during the transfer window and Arsenal have made a play to land the forward
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal will need Julian Alvarez to reconsider his decision(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez told Mikel Arteta that he did not want to join Arsenal when the pair spoke. Arsenal are running out of time to land the Atletico Madrid striker, who wants to join Barcelona.
Atletico have ruled out the prospect of doing business with their La Liga rivals following a dramatic summer saga that sees Alvarez still with an uncertain future. The Argentina international is set to miss his side's match against Sevilla on Saturday, having missed training through illness after receiving a frosty reception against Villarreal.
The Spanish side want a decision from Alvarez on his future by Sunday, but there has been little to suggest he wants to join the Gunners or a return to the Premier League for the moment. Atletico would be open to a deal with the Premier League side, however.
Arsenal boss Arteta has been part of the club's offensive in a bid to try and tempt him to the Emirates. That has failed, according to transfer specialist David Ornstein.
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"He's spoken to Mikel Arteta and said that he doesn't want to come," Ornstein said on TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest. "That could change, could he soften in the days ahead? These situations are always movable. Right now it's not developing."
After reports of Arteta reaching out to Alvarez materialised, the Spaniard was asked if there had been a conversation during his press conference. Arteta answered: "Don't go there."
"Publicly, I never ask them," he added. "I think it's more private to get the feeling that if it's something unique, an attachment, a feeling, that they really want to join us, and they have that desire to come and be part of our family."
Alvarez may have to reconsider Arsenal's approach or face remaining in the Spanish capital for another season. The club have been very clear they will not deal with Barcelona.
Alvarez
Julian Alvarez has little over a day to make a decision(Image: Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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"The members of Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona," Atletico said in a statement.
"The members of the Board of Directors are aware that: Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs.
"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez.”