Julian Alvarez has reported back to Atletico Madrid amid ongoing speculation over a summer transfer to Arsenal.
The Argentina international was pictured by the club on Monday undergoing medical tests after starting his pre-season later than planned following an extended break because of the World Cup.
World Cup involvement
Alvarez was part of the Argentina team that was beaten after extra-time in the World Cup 2026 final by Spain, with the Atleti star playing 102 minutes before being sacrificed due to Enzo Fernandez’s red card.
Attentions are now expected to turn towards the 26-year-old’s future, particularly after requesting to leave the club while on international duty earlier in the summer.
Transfer request
“The best thing for everyone is a transfer,” he admitted in an interview with ESPN Argentina following their group phase win over Austria. “And I want to fulfil my dream.
“I don't think it's the right time to talk about this, but I can't hide either.
“I have to be honest, and I spoke with the people at the club, the ones I needed to speak with.”
Atletico's stance
While it has been widely reported that Alvarez’s ‘dream’ is to play for Barcelona and that Arsenal will target the Argentine after missing out on Vinicius Junior, Atletico are adamant they will not do business with their LaLiga rivals whatsoever.
Miguel Angel Gil, the Atleti CEO, last month insisted that Alvarez will NOT leave this summer and that stance has since been backed up by manager Diego Simeone when speaking over the weekend.
“The situation is very clear,” the Atleti boss told reporters.
“The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.
“From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things.”
