A target of Arsenal during the summer transfer window is widely reported to have split with his long-time agent months before the market opens again this winter
Julian Alvarez looking on from the substitutes' bench during an Atletico Madrid match against Alaves at Mendizorrotza
Atletico Madrid continue to name Julian Alvarez as a substitute rather than starting the striker this season(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez is widely reported to have parted ways with long-time agent Fernando Hidalgo six weeks after Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin claimed their player was "deceived and confused" during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are one of several clubs keen to sign the Argentina international, alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico, however, were insistent on never selling to the Catalan club and turned down a £127million offer from their city rivals.
Alvarez missed several training sessions before the transfer deadline, citing illness. The striker also did not travel for their away La Liga match against Sevilla.
Gil Marin told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus+ during that time: "Julian is really struggling. There have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I'm very sorry about that."
The club's CEO added: "I know him and we've been working with him for some time. He's a great professional and footballer, but he's very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally.
It was also then acknowledged that: "If he believes that staying at Atletico is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative. But it will never, ever be Barcelona."
Julian Alvarez runs with the ball while playing for of Atletico Madrid under pressure from Jonny of Deportivo Alaves
Julian Alvarez came on as a second-half substitute for Atletico Madrid against Alaves on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
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Alvarez ultimately stayed, but his agent apparently has not. It is being reported in both Argentina and Spain that Hidalgo no longer represents the player who has been his client for almost a decade.
Javier Pastore is linked to becoming Alvarez's new agent, having set up The Elegant Game agency late last year. The long-time Paris Saint-Germain player already represents Enzo Fernandez, negotiating his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City this summer.
Both played together at River Plate after coming through the club's academy. They left for Europe within six months of each other and have become regulars for Argentina.
The former City player has only featured as a substitute in La Liga this season. His only start for Atletico came in the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield, assisting their opening goal.
However, the striker started all of Argentina's friendlies during the international break and scored in their 7-0 win over Burkina Faso. But when domestic football returned, he was back on the bench, albeit coming on minutes into the second half of Atletico's match against Alaves.
It remains to be seen whether he will start once again in the Champions League. Atletico are hosting Manchester United today (Tuesday).