Atletico Madrid are now reportedly ready to discuss selling Julian Alvarez to Arsenal, and have set an asking price for the previously untouchable forward.
Alvarez was booed and whistled by Atletico Madrid fans on Sunday night when making his first appearance since confirming his desire to leave. The Argentine was clearly angry at his reception and walked off the pitch at full-time rather than join his team-mates in acknowledging the club's fans. Head coach Diego Simeone said after the game that was a decision made by the club, not the player.
Change in stance after fan backlash
The scenes at the Metropolitano have hammered home the animosity amongst the fanbase towards Alvarez, and have reportedly prompted a change in stance at Atletico.
According to The Athletic, Atletico are now prepared to sell Alvarez to Arsenal this summer for €150million (£128m). That is the same amount Real Madrid are said to have seen rejected by Atletico in June.
It is a significant change in stance for a player who has been repeatedly told both publicly and privately that he is not for sale at any price.
Barcelona interest and Arsenal's position
Alvarez's desire has been similarly clear: he wants to join Barcelona. When he told ESPN during the World Cup of his wish to "fulfil my dream", it is widely accepted that he was talking about moving to Camp Nou. But Atletico will not sell to Barca, leaving Arsenal as the only viable option for Alvarez in the final days of the summer window.
The Athletic add that Barca have all but given up on signing Alvarez, who has been their top target all summer, further strengthening the Gunners' hand.
However, the big sticking point remains Alvarez and his willingness to join Arsenal. The report adds that contact between the player's representatives and Arsenal took place last week, and the Premier League champions will only make a move should they get encouragement to do so.
