Arsenal only likely exit for Alvarez as striker skips training

Julian Alvarez, the Argentine striker for Atletico Madrid, has skipped training sessions since being informed privately that the club will not sell him to Barcelona. Sources reveal that Atletico communicated directly to Alvarez and his advisers that they will not negotiate with the Catalan club over a transfer. The 26-year-old has missed two consecutive days of training due to what they claim is illness.

Atletico issued two public statements in 24 hours, reiterating their refusal to grant Alvarez's wish to join Barcelona. However, the club is open to selling him to Arsenal, with whom they have held talks. Atleti director Mateu Alemany visited London last week to meet with Arsenal representatives and confirm their willingness to accept a fee of 150 million euros (£128 million) for the player.

Despite Alvarez's desire to join Barcelona, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to sign him this month. Arsenal's pursuit of Alvarez is reportedly positive, and a deal could be finalized if Alvarez agrees to move to the Premier League club. On Wednesday, Barcelona president Joan Laporte reiterated his team's desire to sign Alvarez.

In response, Atletico released a statement emphasizing that there is "0% chance" of selling him to Barcelona, and on Thursday, the club's board unanimously expressed their support for the decision not to negotiate the transfer.