Total refusal! Julian Alvarez is no longer willing to train with Atletico
The bomb has detonated in Madrid. Julian Alvarez, the very face of Atletico's sporting project, no longer wants to even train with the team.
Details: According to La SER, Julian Alvarez is no more willing to train with Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old Argentine has already missed two sessions this week, officially because of a stomach bug, while Arsenal and Barcelona circle over his future.
The saga is escalating hour by hour. On Wednesday, Atletico released a furious statement ruling out any negotiations with Barcelona, accusing the Catalans and the player's camp of a campaign of lies and half-truths and insisting there is zero chance of selling to Barca. The club have set a Friday deadline for Alvarez to decide his future so they still have time to sign a replacement. The striker's dream is Barcelona, but Atletico demand around €150 million, a figure the Catalans currently cannot afford. Arsenal are waiting in the wings: Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer, and sporting director Andrea Berta knows Alvarez well from his own Atletico past, though the Gunners want a clear signal from the player's side before striking. Last Sunday, Alvarez was booed by his own fans during the 2-2 draw with Villarreal and was escorted down the tunnel by club staff afterwards. Atletico expert Ruben Uria summed the situation up bluntly: London or staying in Madrid. On Saturday, Los Colchoneros travel to Sevilla with their superstar's involvement in serious doubt.
It's worth noting that Alvarez remains under contract with Atletico Madrid until June 2030, with Transfermarkt currently valuing the 2022 World Cup winner at €100 million. Last La Liga season he recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in 29 appearances.
Reminder: Official! Atlético's final decision on Julián Álvarez has been revealed
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
