Julian Alvarez was met with boos from his own Atletico Madrid supporters during Sunday’s draw against Villarreal, intensifying speculation around his future. Both Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly interested in the Argentine forward, who has expressed a desire to leave Atletico.
The forward’s return to action for Atletico Madrid on Sunday was marked by whistles and jeers from the home crowd. This reaction occurred after significant transfer speculation surrounding Alvarez, who has indicated his wish to depart the club. He was on the substitutes’ bench when the initial jeers began as his name was announced, and the negative reception continued when he entered the pitch in the 66th minute.
Following the 2-2 home league draw, Alvarez left the field alone, while his teammates remained to acknowledge the fans. Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone later stated in his post-match press conference that the club had decided Alvarez should not be near the stands and fans, opting to keep him separate from the rest of the team and direct him to the locker room instead.
Transfer Saga Continues
The situation comes amidst a long-running transfer saga that has seen Alvarez reportedly grow increasingly unsettled and eager to leave before the transfer deadline. While Alvarez is said to favour a move to Barcelona, Atletico Madrid has expressed reluctance to sell him to a domestic rival. Earlier this summer, Atletico accused the Catalan club of orchestrating a “relentless smear campaign” against the player, citing “calculated leaks, fake news, constant disrespect,” and “little stories” invented by the “culé version of the propaganda machine.”
Atletico’s CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has previously suggested that Alvarez has been poorly advised regarding his future. Despite the player’s reported desire to join Barcelona, Arsenal appears to be emerging as a viable alternative. Reports suggest Alvarez is softening his stance on returning to England, leaving the door open for a potential move to Arsenal. However, his family’s preference to remain in Spain and his long-held dream of playing for Barcelona, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, remain significant factors.
Arsenal’s Prospects and Squad Strength
Despite the recent developments, securing Alvarez’s signature before the September 1 deadline is considered unlikely for Arsenal. The primary obstacles include the player’s strong preference for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s firm stance against selling him, particularly to Barcelona, Premier League champions, or PSG. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta may have limited options until there is an indication that Alvarez’s focus shifts away from Nou Camp.
Arsenal, however, is reportedly content with its current squad, as demonstrated by their 3-0 opening day victory over Coventry. The club is in a position where only top-tier signings like Alvarez would significantly enhance their existing talent. Pundits such as Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have suggested that adding a player of Alvarez’s calibre could elevate Arsenal to Champions League winners. Neville specifically noted that a world-class striker would complement Arsenal’s defenders and midfielders, potentially leading them beyond the Premier League title to European success.
The Premier League champions have shown strong form early in the season, with new signing Christos Tzolis and Martin Odegaard, who missed 30 matches last season, contributing to the team’s attacking dimension. While rivals like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham dropped points on the opening weekend, Enzo Maresca acknowledged that his Manchester City team, despite a late comeback win against Bournemouth, is still developing. Arsenal could also pursue a left-sided forward if Gabriel Martinelli, who has been left out of the last two matchday squads and has one year remaining on his deal, moves on. Interest in Martinelli has reportedly come from Galatasaray and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus could depart if a replacement like Alvarez is secured. The transfer window remains open until September 1.
Source: skysports.com