The Argentina international’s relationship with Atletico fans appears to have broken, but a move to north London remains far from straightforward.
Julian Alvarez‘s increasingly strained relationship with Atletico Madrid supporters has taken another turn, with the striker booed and insulted by his own fans as uncertainty over his future continues.
The 26-year-old has been linked with Arsenal throughout the summer, but the situation remains unchanged in several key respects. Alvarez’s preferred destination is still Barcelona, while Atletico remain unwilling to sell him to their La Liga rivals.
According to reports from Spain, the split between player and supporters now appears almost total.
Alvarez, who publicly expressed his desire to leave Atletico during the World Cup, received a hostile reception from home supporters during the weekend’s match against Villarreal.
Supporters had already displayed banners outside Atletico’s training ground calling for his departure. Having also been abused during the previous home game against Malaga, Alvarez was again jeered before kick-off, booed when his name was announced, insulted during the match and whistled when he came on as as a sub in the 67th minute.
The reports describe an unusually subdued display from the Argentina international, who managed only 12 touches of the ball.
Even after Giuliano Simeone scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw, Alvarez was again whistled as he headed straight down the tunnel while his team-mates applauded the supporters.
Head coach Diego Simeone defended the forward afterwards, saying: “It was not his decision (to stay) but the club’s decision. But if we want to win titles, we need to be united and have quality strikers. We have him and we have to take care of him.”
The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana reports that Atletico would consider selling Alvarez to Arsenal this summer, but only for around €150 million, approximately £128.4 million.
One source close to the club’s leadership reportedly suggested Arsenal are unlikely to pay that figure, while also acknowledging that Alvarez’s current situation has become “a farce”.
The Athletic’s James McNicholas reports that Arsenal have been in contact with Alvarez’s representatives over the past week, but are seeking encouragement from the player before opening formal discussions with Atletico.
Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Arsenal have asked to be kept informed if Alvarez becomes willing to consider a return to the Premier League. Romano added that the striker has not rejected Arsenal, but continues to prioritise a move to Barcelona.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that Alvarez appreciates Arsenal’s interest and views the club positively as an alternative.
However, his previous experience with UK visa restrictions affecting members of his family during his time at Manchester City has made him reluctant to return to England. Another Brexit win.
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