The Argentine forward finds himself in an increasingly uncomfortable position at the Spanish club, though the north London outfit may see their chances of securing his signature improve significantly.
The 26-year-old former Manchester City player has been labelled a zombie by Spanish journalists as he attempts to force through an exit from the Madrid-based side. The Gunners will be encouraged to learn that the striker’s circumstances at the club are becoming more untenable by the day.
Alvarez has become entangled in a bitter transfer dispute throughout this summer transfer window. The South American has been determined to depart the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and move to Barcelona, which has been described as his ideal destination.
However, Atletico are unwilling to permit a move to their fierce domestic rivals and maintain they are under no pressure to sanction such a transfer, repeatedly pointing to his eye-watering €500million release clause. Real Madrid also had a substantial £130million offer spurned in June, while Barcelona’s financial constraints under FFP regulations mean they cannot table an ambitious bid.
Despite this, Alvarez’s frustration with the situation has not gone unnoticed by Arsenal, who view him as a viable option. The player has apparently been hesitant about returning to England because of family considerations, and combined with his desire to play for Barcelona, Arsenal have not managed to advance discussions despite Atletico indicating they would engage in talks and contact having taken place.
Yet during Atletico’s weekend draw against Villarreal, the extent of Alvarez’s predicament was evident for all to observe, with the Spanish press suggesting that either party may be forced to back down shortly.
The forward began the match among the substitutes and appeared dejected. He entered the field in the 67th minute but shortly afterward watched his side fall behind. A late strike from Giuliano Simeone salvaged a point for the hosts, who had been reduced to ten men following Robin Le Normand’s dismissal.
Throughout and after the encounter, Alvarez faced whistles and hostile banners displaying Julian fuera. His demeanor as he walked off the pitch drew criticism from analyst Pablo Pinto, who observed that viewers witnessed merely a shadow of the real Alvarez, now resembling a zombie, a player aimlessly drifting around the pitch. The incident at the conclusion, far from encouraging any thaw in relations, has only entrenched both sides’ positions further. Neither Atletico nor Alvarez benefits from this stalemate, and if reconciliation is to occur, that possibility appears more distant now than before.
The apparent absence of any reconciliation suggests a move away could be on the cards, though Atletico remain steadfastly opposed to selling him to Barcelona. Should that avenue be blocked, the Emirates Stadium could represent Alvarez’s only escape route if he wishes to play without constant jeering this campaign.
Miguel Martín Talavera expressed comparable sentiments, noting that nobody finds this situation comfortable, the squad are aware of how it impacts them, and this represents a far cry from the professional conduct he had displayed over the previous two seasons. Talavera suggested that either Alvarez discusses with the club to find a buyer acceptable to Atletico, or he fulfils his contractual obligations, respects his profession and the club, which has treated him impeccably over the past two years, and concentrates on playing football.
Mundo Deportivo’s Chema Fuente offered his assessment, suggesting that in Alvarez’s situation, Atletico have already suffered damage, because if they retain him while he merely jogs about as he did against Villarreal, it would be equivalent to possessing a Porsche with deflated tyres and the engine removed, serving no purpose.
ESPN reports that should Alvarez open the door to Arsenal, the club will be determined to finalise a deal, as he currently represents their primary attacking objective. Mikel Arteta will be hoping this situation deteriorates sufficiently for them to get what they want.