Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez made clear his desire to leave Atlético Madrid, but ultimately stayed at the club - and his team‑mate Marc Pubill has now addressed the striker's future
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez wanted to leave Atletico Madrid in the summer and Arsenal were interested(Image: Getty Images)
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Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill has opened up on Julian Alvarez's future, insisting his teammates will support him in rediscovering his finest form and that the club are 'lucky' to retain him following a chaotic summer. The Argentine made his intentions to leave Atletico abundantly clear, with both Arsenal and Barcelona interested in securing his services.
The Gunners have maintained a longstanding interest in the 26-year-old, particularly after witnessing Gabriel Martinelli's departure to Al Hilal, alongside the exits of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. Nevertheless, Alvarez's preferred destination was always Barcelona - a switch Atletico refused to authorise, despite allegedly holding discussions with their rivals regarding a potential deal.
Alvarez, alongside his teammates, experienced the tumultuous summer from within but, in the end, he remained at the Wanda Metropolitano when the window closed at the beginning of the month.
Discussing the situation, Atletico defender Pubill said: "We experienced it inside the dressing room in the same way as people did from the outside. Julian is a spectacular player, extremely good, and luckily we have him here.
"We're all going to enjoy having him. We will help him. Hopefully he gives us his maximum because he's a top player."
Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticised Atletico for their handling of the saga surrounding Alvarez's future. "We were getting information that they were putting Alvarez up for sale, but in the end they took off the mask and said they were selling to anyone but Barca," Laporta stated.
"We were always transparent. We talked to Gil Marin [Atletico's CEO], we presented an offer. They replied that they had no alternative and we urged them to be able to talk if they had it. I don't understand what that disproportionate reaction came to next."
Alvarez has made three La Liga appearances for Atletico since the transfer window shut, yet is still waiting for his first start.
He was recently ruled out for two matches with muscular issues before making his comeback in the 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Real Madrid, where he featured for 28 minutes.
Whether Arsenal make their move in the New Year when the window opens again on January 1 remains to be seen.
It is equally uncertain whether Atletico would be prepared to let Alvarez go before the season draws to a close.