The north London club may receive a significant lift in the closing stages of the transfer window as they pursue the Argentine forward
The forward has been the subject of speculation regarding a departure from the Spanish capital throughout the summer months
Atletico Madrid rejected an approach from their city neighbours at the beginning of the transfer period, before the Catalan club signalled their intention to acquire the player’s signature
The former Manchester City player has made known his wish to depart, indicating he wished to link up with the current La Liga titleholders
Nevertheless, the Madrid side have also communicated that sales to their domestic rivals remain off the table, leaving the player disappointed
The South American forward was selected among the substitutes for the encounter with Villarreal, entering the field after the interval to a chorus of jeers and whistles from his own supporters
Despite his contributions to the ten-man side’s comeback to secure a share of the spoils, the player endured a cool reception from sections of the crowd throughout the match
The player was guided towards the dressing rooms by club personnel while his fellow squad members moved to express gratitude to the supporters at the conclusion of the match
The forward was subjected to further jeering as he departed the playing surface, casting additional uncertainty over his prospects at the club
Simeone commented on the situation, stating that the organisation had decided not to permit the player to accompany his colleagues in approaching the supporters
Prior to the encounter, the manager had remarked that the player represented a vital component in their quest to fulfil the club’s ambitions, and that he would continue to prioritise the player’s wellbeing while remaining part of the squad
The Premier League champions are understood to harbour serious interest in securing the forward’s services as they seek to strengthen the squad
The club are aiming to defend their domestic crown and go beyond last season’s Champions League final appearance
Securing the player’s signature would represent a significant declaration of ambition, and according to Spanish media outlets, the London side could emerge as the sole viable destination should the player wish to pursue an exit
A significant negative response has emerged following the player’s remarks regarding a potential switch to the Catalan club, with banners displayed at the club’s training complex on Friday morning reading JULIAN FUERA with the player’s squad number struck through