Alvarez returns to Atletico training after telling Arteta he does not want Arsenal move

Julian Alvarez returned to Atletico Madrid training this week after sporting director Matheu Alemany confirmed the Argentine had been back on the training pitch, with the club hoping he will be fit for their next La Liga fixture. Alvarez had missed three consecutive sessions and was absent from Atletico’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, with the club citing a stomach bug.

The situation surrounding Alvarez has grown increasingly complicated. Atletico have repeatedly and publicly ruled out selling him to Barcelona, issuing two formal statements to that effect. Arsenal have emerged as the leading alternative destination, but reports suggest Alvarez himself told Gunners manager Mikel Arteta during direct talks that he does not wish to return to England.

Alemany was characteristically firm when asked for an update. “He trained yesterday, and we hope he recovers quickly and is ready for the upcoming La Liga match,” the sporting director said, before deflecting further questions about the transfer standoff to the club’s earlier public statements. “We have been very clear and firm on this matter. Why should I say more?”

Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin went further, making clear that while Atletico want Alvarez to stay, they will explore alternatives to Barcelona if the player insists on leaving — but that a move to the Catalan club remains completely off the table. “Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us,” Gil Marin said. “If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

Gil Marin also directed pointed criticism at those he held responsible for the situation. “The truth is that it outrages us even more. We are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism,” he said, reiterating that Atletico would not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances.

Manager Diego Simeone, speaking ahead of the Sevilla win, adopted a more measured tone while making clear he expects Alvarez to reintegrate into the squad. “When he returns, we’ll give him everything he needs to feel important,” Simeone said. “In life, anything can be reversed, as long as we have our health.”

With Atletico immovable on Barcelona and Alvarez apparently reluctant to join Arsenal, the path forward for the World Cup winner remains far from clear.