Julian Alvarez gives Mikel Arteta final answer on Arsenal transfer after crunch talks

In-demand Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has reportedly given a final answer to Mikel Arteta on whether he will sign for Arsenal this summer.

Alvarez has been the subject of transfer interest throughout the summer window, with Barcelona, at one point, appearing to be his most likely destination.

However, earlier this week, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted that the Madrid side would “never, ever” sell Alvarez to Barcelona after the Catalans’ president, Joan Laporta, publicly confessed his desire to sign Alvarez before the end of the window.

“The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” Gil Marín said.

“I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. You have my word – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

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Alvarez was booed by his home supporters during Atleti’s draw against Villarreal last weekend and will play no part in the side’s upcoming fixture against Sevilla later today (August 29).

Despite the forward’s absence, head coach Diego Simeone has made clear that he will do everything he can to reintegrate him into the side.

“From the moment he returns to training, I will do everything I can to make him feel important,” Simeone said.

He added: “I’m still in the same position, hoping, from a sporting point of view, to be able to help him in the best way so that he continues to be the very important player he is for us.”

“Julian will not be there [on Saturday] against Sevilla, who have just won two games and will be high with confidence.”

Julian Alvarez makes decision on future

On Friday (August 28), Spanish outlet MARCA claimed Alvarez’s former club Manchester City had entered the race to sign him on loan, although later reports appear to suggest the player does not want to return to the Etihad.

Sky Sports reported that Atletico have set the player a deadline over his future, giving Alvarez until Sunday (August 30) to make a final decision, with Arsenal appearing to be in the box seat.

Then, on Saturday (August 29), The Athletic’s David Ornstein issued a major update on the transfer saga when speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal have already signed Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie and Christos Tzolis this summer, but it appears Alvarez may not be added to the list of arrivals.

Ornstein said: “At the time of reporting, there is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to Arsenal.

“Atletico Madrid would do a deal with Arsenal. Arsenal are prepared to reach a club-to-club agreement, but they would want the player to want to join them.

“Alvarez has shown no indication of wanting to join at this point. He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta & said that he doesn’t want to come.

“That could change, these situations are always movable, so I don’t want to say it won’t happen, but right now, it’s NOT developing.”

Alvarez is contracted to Atletico until 2030.