RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Barcelona top target misses Atletico Madrid training for second consecutive day
Barcelona have not given up on their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, and it increasingly looks like the player is pushing from his side as well.
The Alvarez situation continues to attract attention and is probably the biggest transfer saga going on as deadline day approaches.
Joan Laporta urged Atletico to consider accepting Barça ’s offer for the 26-year-old, to which Los Colchoneros quickly retaliated with a statement claiming he will not be sold to the Catalans.
Meanwhile, according to MARCA , the South American striker has now missed first-team training for a second consecutive day.
Alvarez informed Atletico that he is unwell and, therefore, unable to train with the rest of the squad after the Villarreal game.
Alvarez absent for second straight session
Alvarez has now been absent from group training for two days running, which, amid the circumstances, suggests there is more than meets the eye.
Barcelona have been after Alvarez since the start of the summer. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
However, there is confirmation that his absence is an attempt to force through the transfer he has been after since the start of the summer.
The stated reason, at least officially, is that the 26-year-old is unwell. Still, the timing is bound to generate interest in Barça .
It further provides a boost to the Catalan club to push harder and try to overwhelm Atletico into making a deal in these final days.
Barcelona continue to wait
The biggest obstacle remains Atletico rather than Alvarez.
The Argentine has made his preference for Barcelona clear, but Atletico have so far maintained a firm position over his departure and have shown little willingness to facilitate a move to the Catalan club.
Alvarez was whistled loudly at the Metropolitano vs Villarreal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Alvarez’s relationship with Atletico supporters has also become increasingly uncomfortable. He was loudly whistled during the recent clash with Villarreal.
It does feel like it has reached a point where there is no going back for the 26-year-old, and it would be best for everyone involved to reach an amicable solution.
However, even if Atletico agree to sell Alvarez, there is no necessity for them to sell him to Barça , especially with Arsenal lurking.
For Barça , the important thing is what happens next. If Alvarez returns to training tomorrow, these absences may not be much more than an illness.
However, if this is Alvarez’s way of forcing Atletico’s hand behind the scenes, Barça need to be ready to swoop in if and when an opportunity presents itself.
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