Alvarez returns to Atletico training amid Barcelona, Arsenal transfer links

What the report says

Julian Alvarez has returned to Atletico Madrid training as speculation grows over a possible late move before the La Liga transfer window closes on Tuesday. According to Al Jazeera’s report based on Reuters, the Argentine forward had missed several group sessions late last week because the club said he was unwell, then trained individually on Friday before rejoining the squad on Sunday.

Alvarez was also left out of Atletico’s matchday squad for Saturday’s 3-1 win at Sevilla. Atletico officials used the weekend to repeat that they expect him to stay, with director of men’s professional football Mateu Alemany saying he had spoken with the player normally and expected him to be available soon.

The central transfer talk continues to focus on Barcelona, which Atletico says it will not negotiate with over Alvarez. Atletico’s leadership has accused Barcelona of acting improperly, while the club’s board said there would be no talks and no consideration of a deal. British media reports cited by Al Jazeera also mentioned Arsenal as another possible destination, though only if it were willing to meet a reported fee of about 150 million euros.

The situation matters because Alvarez is one of Atletico’s key forwards and any move would be a major late-window transfer involving a leading La Liga club and a high-profile Argentina international.