Julian Alvarez Goes Awol as Atletico Dig In Over Barcelona Refusal

Julian Alvarez has not trained with Atletico Madrid for two consecutive days, citing illness, after being told privately that the club will not sell him to Barcelona. The Argentina international learned of Atletico's position through direct communication with the club and his advisors, according to BBC Sport.

Atletico have made their stance loud and clear. They released two public statements within 24 hours, one of which read: "There is 0% chance of selling him to Barca." That was a direct response to comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta. The club's board of directors then issued a follow-up on Thursday, unanimously expressing "absolute support" for the decision not to negotiate a transfer to the Catalan club.

Behind the scenes, an alternative exit route has opened. Atletico director Mateu Alemany travelled to London last week and is understood to have met Arsenal counterparts, making clear the club would seek a fee of 150 million euros — around 128 million pounds — for the 26-year-old striker. Discussions between the two clubs over a deal have been described as positive. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be desperate to sign Alvarez this month, but the player's steadfast desire to join Barcelona has halted the Gunners' pursuit. According to Sky Sports, Atletico are standing firm on their refusal to do business with Barcelona, with Arsenal now the only viable "get-out" for the Argentine.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 for an initial fee of 75 million euros and has been widely regarded as a successful signing, according to ESPN. He reported back to Atletico's training ground on 10 August and resumed work under the club's guidance amid the saga, per Yahoo Sports. He has since faced a backlash from Atletico supporters over his desire to leave.

The clock is ticking. The summer transfer window — the period when clubs can buy and sell players — closes on 1 September, and Atletico want the entire situation resolved within two days, per Football London.

For fans, this is the kind of saga that has everything: a club saying never, a player going quiet, and a second suitor waiting with cash in hand. Alvarez wants Barcelona. Atletico will not give him Barcelona. Arsenal can afford the fee but cannot persuade the player. Five days before the window slams shut, nobody has blinked.