Arsenal remained keen on a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez deep into the summer transfer window but the Gunners were unable to find an agreement for the Argentine forward
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez remains at Atletico Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona star Dani Olmo says he ‘doesn’t understand’ Atletico Madrid’s treatment of Julian Alvarez after denying him a ‘dream’ move. The Argentine forward was of interest to Arsenal and Barcelona heading into the final days of the window.
Mikel Arteta had approved a switch to the Emirates Stadium, but only if Alvarez himself was open to the move. Arsenal faced serious competition from Spanish giants Barcelona, who had seen a number of bids for his services turned down.
Atletico Madrid then released a statement saying that they would not be doing business with their domestic rivals and Alvarez would stay at the Metropolitano. And Barcelona star Olmo has now taken aim at Atletico for their treatment of the forward.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish playmaker said: “Julian is a great player, a great ‘9’, one of the best in the world without a doubt, but that’s football.
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“Understand it? I don’t. In the end, we all have our dreams. I think Julián was also clear about that,” the Barcelona star added.
“He fought for his dreams, but ultimately there are also other external situations that one can’t control. In that sense, that was one of them, it goes without saying. But life goes on. This doesn’t stop.”
While neither Barcelona nor Arsenal managed to sign Alvarez, the pair actually ended up doing business together, with the Catalans instead sealing a move for Gabriel Jesus.
And while the Brazilian was second-choice, that is not something he minds too much. Speaking at his unveiling, the former Arsenal star said: "A week ago I received a message that it could happen.
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus moved to Barcelona instead of Julian Alvarez(Image: Getty Images)
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“When I started to think it was a real possibility, I was so excited. Now I can't wait to start training and playing.
"It doesn't annoy me [being Plan B to Alvarez], it doesn't bother me. What annoys me is if people say I'm a bad guy, which has never happened in my life - or if I am not playing football, that bothers me.
"I have the chance to play for Barcelona, a chance I had 10 years ago and now life has offered me that opportunity again."
"I took a significant salary drop, but it's a dream to be here," Jesus added. "But it wasn't just me who had to make an effort to get the transfer over line, Barca also played their part.
"If you had asked me one month ago, I would have said it was unlikely this would happen. At 29, I didn't think I would have the chance to come to Barca.
"The last two years have been really complicated after the knee injury. I was out of the game for almost one year, but it's in the past. I feel good physically now. I recovered well, returned to action for Arsenal and I am 100 per cent ready to play and give my all."
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