Julian Alvarez's future could be decided one way or another within this week, amid reports of an ultimatum. The Atletico Madrid striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona this summer, going as far as to request a transfer while on World Cup duty with Argentina.
Alvarez's Transfer Request
“The best thing for everyone is a transfer,” Alvarez 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.”
While it has been widely reported that Barcelona is Alvarez's dream move, Atletico are adamant they will not do business with their LaLiga rivals. This has left Arsenal as the only viable option for Alvarez in the final days of the summer window, with reports in Spain claiming he must take one of two paths before Deadline Day: stay at Atletico Madrid and try to rebuild his connection with the fans or get his head around a potential move to Arsenal.
Reaction and Contact
This comes after the 26-year-old was reportedly left devastated about being told he will not be sold to Barcelona, in addition to the reaction of the club's supporters against Villarreal. The big sticking point remains Alvarez and his willingness to join Arsenal. The Athletic claim that contact between the player's representatives and the Gunners has taken place recently, and the Premier League champions will only make a move should they get encouragement to do so.
Meanwhile, the Independent claim the saga could be resolved by Friday, as Atletico want the time to prepare for replacements if Alvarez does accept a move to the Gunners.
Price Tag U-Turn
Furthermore, it has been reported that Atletico have performed a U-turn over Alvarez's price tag. After rejecting an offer of €150 million (£129 million) from rivals Real Madrid in June and subsequently referring to the £429 million release clause in the striker's contract, it's now claimed Atletico are prepared to sell Alvarez for the aforementioned price.
