Julian Alvarez: Arsenal only likely exit after Atletico say no to Barcelona

Julian Alvarez has ceased attending Atletico Madrid training since learning privately that the club would not sell him to Barcelona. Sources reveal that Atletico communicated privately to Alvarez and his advisers that they would not entertain negotiations with the Catalan club over a move for the Argentina international. The 26-year-old has since skipped two consecutive training sessions, citing illness.

The La Liga club released two public statements within 24 hours reaffirming their position that Alvarez will not be granted his wish to join Barca in the coming days. Despite Atletico's refusal to negotiate with Barcelona, they are open to selling Alvarez to Arsenal and have engaged in direct talks with the Premier League champions.

Atletico's director, Mateu Alemany, met with Arsenal counterparts in London and made it clear that his side would seek a fee of 150 million euros (£128 million). Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, is eager to sign Alvarez this month; however, his desire to join Barcelona has halted Arsenal's pursuit. Nevertheless, discussions between Atletico and Arsenal regarding a club-to-club agreement for Alvarez have reportedly been positive.

If Alvarez agrees to move to Arsenal, a deal is expected to move swiftly. On Wednesday, in response to comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporte, who insisted that Barcelona still wanted to sign Alvarez, Atletico released a statement claiming there was a "0% chance" of selling him to Barca. The Atletico board strongly backed the club's decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona on Thursday.