Arsenal likely exit for Alvarez as striker skips training

Julian Alvarez, the striker for Atletico Madrid, has not attended training since being informed privately that the club will not sell him to Barcelona. Sources revealed to BBC Sport that Atletico communicated privately to Alvarez and his advisers that they would not negotiate with the Catalan club. The 26-year-old has skipped two consecutive days of training, citing illness.

Atletico released two public statements within 24 hours, reaffirming their stance that Alvarez will not join Barcelona. However, the club is open to selling him to Arsenal and held direct talks with the Premier League champions. Atletico director Mateu Alemany met with Arsenal representatives in London, stating that the club would seek a fee of 150 million euros (£128 million).

Arsenal's pursuit of Alvarez has been halted due to his desire to join Barcelona, but discussions between Atletico and Arsenal over a club-to-club agreement are said to be positive. If Alvarez agrees to sign with Arsenal, a deal could move quickly. Barcelona president Joan Laporte had insisted they still wanted to sign Alvarez, but Atletico's statement on Wednesday dismissed any possibility of selling him to Barcelona.