Julian Alvarez has missed training for a third day and will not feature for Atletico Madrid this weekend, opening the door for Arsenal to make a last-minute push before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Alvarez missed Friday's training session ahead of their La Liga game at Sevilla on Saturday, representing a complete breakdown in his relationship with Atletico Madrid. The Argentina striker has made it clear he wants to join Barcelona, but Atletico are refusing to sell to their La Liga rival and are open to doing business with Arsenal.
Outgoings remain a hurdle
The biggest obstacle to Arsenal's chances of landing the deal is completing their outgoings to clear the way for Alvarez. Gabriel Martinelli is close to completing a £55m move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, they have paid up for the final year on Reiss Nelson's contract and also want to offload Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira.
It promises to be a busy last few days in the window for Arsenal, who remain very interested in Alvarez with Mikel Arteta a huge fan of the 26-year-old forward. They could still complete a swoop, but time is against them, and sporting director Andrea Berta and the Arsenal hierarchy are on board with doing a deal if circumstances are right.
Simeone's stance
Atletico may also want a replacement, but Arsenal have been reluctant to countenance a deal involving Viktor Gyokeres. Alvarez is a versatile forward who can play through the middle, deeper or from the left, giving Arsenal options. However, there is a feeling at Arsenal that if Alvarez does not happen, the squad is still strong enough.
Former Manchester City striker Alvarez would prefer Barcelona over a return to the Premier League, but the standoff with Atletico has turned ugly after he missed the last three days of training, originally citing illness as the reason for his absence since Wednesday. Atletico boss Diego Simeone has insisted there is a way back for Alvarez and stressed he remains part of his plans.
Simeone said: “My stance remains the same. From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us. Obviously, Julian won't be available tomorrow. Once Julian returns to train with us, we will give him everything we've always given him to make him feel, as he has felt, important, as he is to this team.”
