Alan Shearer has told Arsenal they may have a transfer opportunity for Julian Alvarez after the Atletico Madrid striker missed training on Wednesday. The Argentine returned to action following the World Cup last weekend and was booed by supporters as he actively seeks an exit.
A move to Barcelona is Alvarez's dream, but joining the Gunners is far more realistic given the stance of Atletico on selling to their domestic rivals. The summer window closes in less than a week, with time running out for Alvarez to seal a move.
Alvarez absent from training due to illness
He was due to take part in Atletico training on Wednesday but was not seen with his teammates due to illness, as per Spanish outlet Marca. The latest update on Alvarez has come from Shearer, with the Premier League's record goal-scorer offering his thoughts on Arsenal's chances of signing him.
"We've heard of a lot of pushing from Barcelona and the reluctance from Atletico," Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast. "It seems like their thinking might be, 'if we have to sell, we're not selling to you [Barcelona]'."
"There's just maybe a small opportunity or a small window there for Arsenal to nab him, you would think. And if they do it's done by the way [the Premier League title race]."
Richards backs striker priority
Co-host Micah Richards also gave his verdict on the former Manchester City man, backing Alvarez to be prioritised above potential signings in other areas of the pitch. He said: "I would actually go for a striker if I was Arsenal and we've all seen the situation with Alvarez at Atletico. He was booed by his own fans the other night and there are reports he wants to go to Barcelona. But are Atletico going to sell him to Barca?"
"It might be one for Arsenal to just sneak in there and offer a bid. He's clearly not happy... If Arsenal had Alvarez he would take them to the next level."
Asking price and return to action
The asking price poses a significant obstacle, however, with Atletico demanding upwards of £100million. The Athletic reports they would entertain offers of €150m, equivalent to approximately £128m.
The 26-year-old returned to the pitch this past weekend in a 2-2 draw against Villarreal and was subjected to fierce jeering from his own fans before being ushered away by club officials while his teammates acknowledged the home crowd.
