Julian Alvarez Misses Third Straight Atletico Training Session

Julian Alvarez’s stand-off with Atletico Madrid deepened on Friday as the forward skipped first-team training for the third consecutive day, throwing even more doubt over his future in the Spanish capital.

The Argentine did not join Diego Simeone’s squad again, with reports in Spain indicating he could instead report to the training ground only to work alone, away from the main group. Even if he does reappear, he is not expected to feature in Atletico’s LaLiga trip to Sevilla on Saturday.

Alvarez is pushing hard for a move to Barcelona, a switch he is understood to be desperate to force through before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night. Atletico, though, are refusing to bow. Selling a key player to a direct domestic rival is a line the club hierarchy are not prepared to cross.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico,” chief executive Gil Marin said on Thursday. “To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

That last sentence sets the tone. Atletico may lose Alvarez, but not to Camp Nou.

With the clock ticking on the window, Arsenal have moved into the frame. The Premier League side are working on a deal in the background and Atletico are understood to be open to negotiating with the Gunners for the right price. For now, though, the London club are waiting for the only green light that really matters.

Alvarez has not yet given his approval to an Arsenal move, and there has been no clear encouragement from his camp. While Atletico explore exits that do not involve Barcelona, the player’s own preference keeps the situation locked.

Behind the scenes, the tension is clearly taking a toll. “Julian is really struggling,” Gil Marin admitted. “There have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I’m very sorry about that.

“I know him and we’ve been working with him for some time. He’s a great professional and footballer, but he’s very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally.”

So the stalemate drags on. Atletico refuse to sell to Barcelona, Arsenal wait in the wings, and Alvarez remains caught in the middle, training alone and running out of days to decide where he actually wants to play.