en.malanginspirasi.com – In a tweet posted earlier today, Fabrizio Romano reported that Julián Álvarez was absent from training at Atlético Madrid due to illness.
It underscored the mounting pressure surrounding the Argentine striker’s future as he pushes for a dream move to Barcelona.
The 26-year-old, under contract at Atlético until 2030, has made clear that Barcelona is his preferred destination.
Coach Hansi Flick views him as the top target to lead the attack following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, and the Catalan club has tabled offers exceeding €100 million.
Atlético, however, have stood firm on a €150 million valuation and repeatedly refused to sell him to their La Liga rivals.
Álvarez has shown little interest in other options.
Arsenal have matched the financial package and remain attentive, with Mikel Arteta’s side ready to break the British transfer record should the player open the door.
Yet Álvarez has so far indicated only Barcelona as his desired club, reportedly turning down approaches and even ignoring direct outreach from the Gunners’ manager.
The standoff has created significant tension at the Metropolitano.
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Atlético’s hierarchy, led by CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, have publicly insisted the player is not for sale to Barcelona short of his €500 million release clause and have threatened FIFA complaints over alleged tapping-up.
Supporters have also voiced frustration, whistling Álvarez on recent appearances.
Romano’s update noted that Arsenal continue to monitor the situation closely while Álvarez’s only stated preference remains a move to Camp Nou.
With the transfer deadline approaching on September 1, time is running short.
Barcelona hope to force a breakthrough, Atlético appear determined to block a deal to a direct rival, and Arsenal wait in the wings should Álvarez reconsider.
Whether the deadlock breaks in the final days or Álvarez starts the season in Madrid remains one of the biggest unanswered questions in European football.
