Arsenal are now being presented in Spain as Julián Álvarez’s only realistic route out of Atlético Madrid, although information from Argentina shows the striker still needs convincing.
Marca provide the Spanish side of the story on Wednesday. They say Álvarez has finally accepted that Atlético will not allow him to join Barcelona. That leaves Arsenal.
According to the newspaper, events over the past few days have pushed the Argentina international towards considering something he had previously resisted – a move to London.
Arsenal door opens for Álvarez
Marca say Monday represented a turning point for Álvarez. His family did not attend Atlético’s match at the Metropolitano, despite usually being there since his arrival.
The striker then left before his teammates reached the dressing room. Atlético made that decision to avoid exposing him to the ultras, something Diego Simeone later confirmed.
Things became even more complicated on Wednesday. Álvarez contacted Atlético in the morning to say he had suffered a bad night and wasn’t fit enough to train.
Marca say Atlético had seen one possible route towards repairing the relationship. That would involve Álvarez apologising and breaking with his agent, Fernando Hidalgo.
Hidalgo has now moved into the background, according to the newspaper. Álvarez has instead spent more time alongside Sergio, the second of his representatives.
All of this has led Marca to a striking conclusion. They say Álvarez is now thinking, perhaps for the first time, about leaving Atlético for Arsenal.
The Spanish newspaper describes the Gunners as his “only option” and says the possibility of moving to London has opened.
Argentina explains why Arsenal still have work to do
Information from Argentina adds an important complication. Journalist Ariel Senosiain, who is close to Álvarez, says the striker has already turned down Mikel Arteta. His quotes were relayed by DSports Radio.
“Julián said no to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal were willing to pay €125m (£108m) plus €10m (£9m) in add-ons, a fee Atlético were prepared to accept.”
So Atlético would apparently accept their money, while Marca now believes Álvarez recognises Barcelona is effectively closed to him.
Senosiain says a family matter also influenced the player’s earlier decision.
“However, because of an issue involving his parents’ visas, Julián decided to remain in Spain for now, although Arsenal are still willing to wait for him.”
For the moment, Álvarez has apparently not completely abandoned his preferred solution.
“At this point, the option he is betting on is that, on the final day, Barcelona do something they have not done so far,” Senosiain explained.
Yet the Argentine journalist immediately identifies the major problem with that hope: “Atlético will do everything possible to avoid selling Julián to Barcelona.”
So the Spanish and Argentine versions ultimately bring Arsenal to the same place from different directions. Marca say Álvarez is starting to see London as his only way out. Senosiain says he has already rejected that route but Arsenal remain prepared to wait.
With Atlético determined to block Barcelona, the question is whether Álvarez eventually decides the Arsenal option is one he can accept.
