Alvarez training standoff hands Arsenal a late window opening as Atletico block Barcelona move

Julian Alvarez’s deepening rift with Atletico Madrid has handed Arsenal a credible late route to signing the Argentina forward, with the 26-year-old absent from training for a third straight day ahead of Saturday’s La Liga trip to Sevilla.

Atletico have categorically ruled out selling Alvarez to Barcelona, despite the player making his preference for the Catalan club clear. That stance has shifted the focus toward Arsenal, with whom Atletico are reportedly willing to do business — leaving Mikel Arteta’s side as the most realistic destination if a deal is to be struck before Tuesday’s deadline.

The central obstacle for Arsenal is not the player or the selling club, but their own outgoings. Sporting director Andrea Berta and the club hierarchy are said to be aligned on pursuing Alvarez, but only if the financial picture clears in time. Gabriel Martinelli is close to completing a £55m move to Al Hilal, while Arsenal have also paid up the final year of Reiss Nelson’s contract. Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira are also being moved on as the club works to create the headroom required.

Atletico may seek a replacement as part of any agreement, though Arsenal have been reluctant to include Viktor Gyokeres in discussions. Alvarez’s versatility — capable of playing centrally, from the left, or in a deeper role — is understood to appeal to Arteta, who is a strong admirer of the former Manchester City striker.

Despite the activity, Arsenal’s position is described internally as relaxed. There is a belief within the club that the squad is strong enough even if the Alvarez deal does not materialise.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone has publicly kept the door open for Alvarez’s return to the fold, insisting the player remains part of his plans. “My stance remains the same,” Simeone said. “From a sporting perspective, I hope to help him in the best possible way so that he continues to be the vital player he is for us. Once Julian returns to train with us, we will give him everything we’ve always given him to make him feel, as he has felt, important, as he is to this team.”

Alvarez initially cited illness when he first missed training on Wednesday. The situation has since escalated into what sources describe as a complete breakdown in his relationship with the club.