Julian Alvarez to Arsenal takes major twist as new round of Atletico Madrid talks held
Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid all summer despite Diego Simeone wanting to maintain the services of the Argentine.
A report from Mundo Deportivo claimed that Arsenal and Atletico had come to an agreement for the striker, but the World Cup winner rejected the chance to move to London.
There appears to be several reasons for his rejection of the move to Arsenal, as he has his heart set on a move to La Liga champions Barcelona in order to win silverware but also for his family, who would struggle for visas to the United Kingdom as he experienced during his time with Manchester City, according to AS Diario.
Yet, while the Argentine wants to make the move to the Camp Nou, Atletico are desperate to avoid selling to a La Liga rival.
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Alvarez’s desire to leave Atletico this summer, despite not seeing Arsenal as his first-choice, has given the London club fresh hope about doing a deal for the striker.
The 26-year-old is believed to be attracted to the sporting project of the London team, leaving the door open as an ‘emergency solution’ for him to leave the Spanish capital.
AS claim that his relationship with Atletico boss Diego Simeone is 'strained', and that he 'might settle for a return to the Premier League' given what are described as his 'current difficulties'.
It has been reported that Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta, the Gunners' manager and sporting director, have maintained frequent contact with the Argentine player to try and help work a deal.
So, while Arsenal will continue behind the scenes to come to an agreement with the striker and his team, it may be difficult due to the personal issues for Alvarez if he were to make the move to London.
Yet, due to Arsenal’s need to acquire a top striker, the Gunners may continue to wait on the sidelines for a chance to swoop in the Alvarez saga between Barcelona and Atletico, particularly when the striker makes his return to action this weekend.
Atletico are set to host Villarreal in their second fixture of the La Liga campaign, with the Argentina international expected to return to the matchday squad for the fixture, but the reaction of the fans may make up his mind whether an exit, not just to Barcelona, is seen as the better option.
On Friday, Atletico CEO Miguel Gil Marin stated that the club wanted Alvarez to stay, also telling EFE: "We must understand that Julian has not had the best advisors around him following his professional career in recent months."
That was followed hours later by a cryptic comment from the forward's agent Fernando Hijalgo.
Hijalgo wrote on Instagram: "Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain it. He'd have to lie again."
Topics: Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, Julian Alvarez
Brendan McGilligan