Arsenal only likely exit for Alvarez as striker skips training

Julian Alvarez has missed two consecutive training sessions at Atletico Madrid after being told privately that the club will not entertain a move to Barcelona, sources told BBC Sport. The 26‑year‑old Argentina international cited illness for his absence. Within a 24‑hour span, Atletico issued two nationalist statements reiterating that Alvarez will not be granted his wish to join Barcelona in the coming days. While the Madrid side remains open to a sale to Arsenal, sporting director Mateu Alemany was in London last week meeting Arsenal officials and indicated the club would seek a fee of 150 million euros (£128 million). Mikel Arteta is eager to secure Alvarez this month, but the player’s steadfast preference for Barcelona has stalled Arsenal’s pursuit. Nonetheless, discussions between Atletico and Arsenal over a club‑to‑club agreement have been described as positive. Should Alvarez give Arsenal the go‑ahead to proceed with his signing, sources say a deal could be finalised quickly. In response to comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporte, who insisted the Catalans still want Alvarez, Atletico released a statement that read: "There is 0% accidental of selling him to Barca." The Atletico board doubled down on Thursday, issuing its own declaration: "The members of Atletico de Madrid's committee of directors person unanimously expressed their implicit enactment for the club's determination to not negociate the transportation of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona."