Julian Alvarez's behaviour following a failed move to Arsenal has been revealed, with Lautaro Martinez offering insight into the striker's mindset. The Gunners were pushing for the Argentina international towards the end of the window but he ultimately remained with Atletico Madrid.
With that, Mikel Arteta will rely upon Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres as forward options for the season. This has ultimately been working well, as the Gunners have won all three Premier League games of the 2026/27 campaign.
Now a tricky opening clash away at Napoli is coming up in the Champions League. Arteta's side have travelled to Italy for the fixture as they aim to reach the final once again.
Alvarez behaviour emerges
Alvarez is said to be back to "new" following his failed transfer saga this summer. The Argentine striker was desperate for a move to Barcelona, with Arsenal also circling, but neither move materialised.
The 26-year-old missed three training sessions in a row, citing illness, and did not travel with the team to face Sevilla. He returned in a 3-0 loss to Athletic Club earlier in September and impressed, despite continued jeers from the Atleti fans.
This effort is now said to have translated in training with AS claiming he is "a new Julian Alvarez." The Spanish news outlet stated that the striker took part in an intense session which focused on pressure, ball circulation and 'stealing.'
Alvarez reportedly scored during this training session and also put in extra work with a physical trainer to build up his fitness as others stretched. Atleti manager Diego Simeone discussed the striker before last weekend's game, stating that he hopes the failed transfer was "a learning experience."
Simeone said: "Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow. He's training well, and we expect the best from him, just as we do from all his team-mates. For me, life is full of opportunities, and Julian now has an opportunity. A lot of the time, we spend our lives judging."
"We need to worry less about that and learn more. I hope this has served as a learning experience for him. I hope he's happy and, as [Paulo] Futre [Atletico Madrid's director of football] told him yesterday in a lovely video... that he shows it by scoring goals."
Team-mate speaks out
Martinez has spoken out about Arsenal target Alvarez, showing support for the 26-year-old following his transfer saga. The fellow Argentina international has travelled to Madrid with Inter Milan to face Real and explained Alvarez's situation from his perspective.
The 29-year-old said: "I spoke with him, sent him a message, and showed him my support. Beyond the fact that we share the same position and competed for a spot on the national team, he's a friend."
"The situation he's going through and is going through isn't easy, but the decision is his clubs."
Hailing Alvarez's talent, Martinez added: "I wish him all the best and hope he gets well soon and continues to show what he has shown so far, that he is one of the best players in the world."
