Atletico Madrid have reportedly softened their stance on Julian Alvarez and are ready to sell the striker to Arsenal, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
Atletico accept Alvarez departure
In a shock transfer twist, Atletico are said to have accepted that it is best that the 26-year-old leaves the club this summer. Barcelona have been most insistent on Alvarez, and saw a bid worth €100million (£86m) rejected earlier this summer.
Atletico subsequently complained to FIFA, alleging the Catalan club had approached Alvarez without permission. Alvarez has not kept quiet about his desire to leave, telling reporters during the World Cup that a transfer would be in the best interests of him and the club.
Alvarez left out of opening game
Atletico, though, stood firm, and as recently as this week, through manager Diego Simeone, insisted that Alvarez was not for sale. Alvarez, however, was omitted from Atletico's opening game of the new LaLiga season - which the club won 2-0 - and now Mundo Deportivo report that the door is open to an exit.
Mundo Deportivo report that the situation has since become increasingly difficult to manage, with Alvarez still determined to leave. But Atletico remain determined to stop Barcelona signing the player - that leaves Arsenal next in line.
Swap deal with Arsenal discussed
Simeone is reportedly open to a deal involving Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, with a swap arrangement having reportedly been discussed in recent weeks. Atletico have also been linked with interest in Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson.
However, a huge spanner in the works is Alvarez's preference, with the prospect of returning to England holding little appeal. The striker left Manchester City in 2024 and does not want to go back to the Premier League, despite Arsenal's interest. His preference remains Barcelona, who are understood to be his dream club.
