Julian Alvarez's Atletico Future in Doubt as Barcelona and Arsenal Wait

Julian Alvarez missed Atletico Madrid training for a third straight day on Friday, deepening the sense that his time under Diego Simeone is nearing a breaking point.

The Argentine forward has stayed away from group work all week. Reports in Spain indicate he could reappear at the training ground on Friday, but only to work on his own, isolated from the rest of the squad. Even if he does return, he is not expected to be involved in Atletico’s LaLiga trip to Sevilla on Saturday.

This is no minor stand-off. Alvarez is determined to force through a move to Barcelona. Atletico, just as firmly, are refusing to strengthen a direct rival.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico,” chief executive Gil Marin said on Thursday, laying out the club’s position in blunt terms.

“To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

That line is not just rhetoric. With the transfer window shutting on Tuesday night, Atletico are running out of days to find that “alternative” Gil Marin talked about, and the tension around Alvarez’s future is tightening.

Arsenal are still in the frame. The Premier League club continue to work quietly on a deal and it is understood Atletico would be prepared to negotiate with the Gunners for the right price. The obstacle sits elsewhere. Alvarez has not yet given his approval to a move to north London, and the silence from his camp is beginning to drag.

Inside the club, there is clear frustration at how the saga has unfolded.

“Julian is really struggling,” Gil Marin admitted. “There have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I’m very sorry about that.

“I know him and we’ve been working with him for some time. He’s a great professional and footballer, but he’s very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally.”

So Atletico wait. Arsenal wait. Barcelona hover in the background, blocked by a red line that Gil Marin insists will not move.

The clock, though, does not wait for anyone.