AtlĂ©tico Madrid have changed their stance on the future of Argentine striker JuliĂĄn Ălvarez, opening the door to his departure during the current summer transfer window. But the Spanish club remain firm in one condition: no move to Barcelona.
According to the "Atletico Play" account, and confirmed by Catalan newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", AtlĂ©tico have decided to open negotiations over Ălvarez's sale after the striker made his desire to leave clear both inside and outside the club.
The Rojiblancos' management have attached one demand, though. His next destination must be Arsenal, who remain interested in signing him, and not Barcelona.
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Ălvarez, however, has no interest in Arsenal. He wants the Barcelona shirt, and nothing else, which leaves the deal at a dead end, according to "Mundo Deportivo".
Everything now hinges on how far each party is willing to hold its ground. Barcelona want a striker before the window shuts, and if they can't get one, they may push the deal back to January while continuing to chase Ălvarez.
Atlético, for their part, have warmed to the idea of selling their star. But they need a replacement fast, and this is where Arsenal can help. Viktor Gyökeres has offered himself to a number of clubs, Barcelona included, and could be an acceptable option for Diego Simeone.
The biggest obstacle to all of this is Ălvarez himself. He has left England and does not want to go back, which is exactly why he has already rejected the Gunners' offer.
Atlético's new proposal, the move to Arsenal, has only deepened the striker's frustration with his club. The relationship between the two sides has grown more strained, according to the Catalan newspaper.
According to the "Atletico Play" account, and confirmed by Catalan newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", AtlĂ©tico have decided to open negotiations over Ălvarez's sale after the striker made his desire to leave clear both inside and outside the club.
The Rojiblancos' management have attached one demand, though. His next destination must be Arsenal, who remain interested in signing him, and not Barcelona.
Read also
GarcĂa a spectator and Hamza demands his right: "Sport" rates Barcelona's players against Al-Ahly
By video: violence at Camp Nou, Catalan police eject Al-Ahly fans
Ălvarez, however, has no interest in Arsenal. He wants the Barcelona shirt, and nothing else, which leaves the deal at a dead end, according to "Mundo Deportivo".
Everything now hinges on how far each party is willing to hold its ground. Barcelona want a striker before the window shuts, and if they can't get one, they may push the deal back to January while continuing to chase Ălvarez.
Atlético, for their part, have warmed to the idea of selling their star. But they need a replacement fast, and this is where Arsenal can help. Viktor Gyökeres has offered himself to a number of clubs, Barcelona included, and could be an acceptable option for Diego Simeone.
The biggest obstacle to all of this is Ălvarez himself. He has left England and does not want to go back, which is exactly why he has already rejected the Gunners' offer.
Atlético's new proposal, the move to Arsenal, has only deepened the striker's frustration with his club. The relationship between the two sides has grown more strained, according to the Catalan newspaper.
Related Coverage
- Football transfer rumours: AtlĂ©tico want Alvarez to join Arsenal over Barça? â The Guardian
- AtlĂ©tico Madrid stance on JuliĂĄn Ălvarez 'perfectly clear' - Simeone â ESPNJulian Alvarez axed from Atletico Madrid squad for La Liga opener amid Barcelona transfer saga
- ESPNJulian Alvarez axed from Atletico Madrid squad for La Liga opener amid Barcelona transfer saga â The Independent
- Atletico Madrid beat Malaga but Alvarez absence is felt â Reuters
