RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Julian Alvarez’s latest gesture towards Barcelona even as Arsenal lurk
The Julian Alvarez saga looks set to continue until September 1, the final day of the transfer window.
The Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker remains determined that he only wants to play for Barça, while the Rojiblancos are now considering selling him for €150 million , although not to Barcelona.
The Argentine forward remains firmly committed to Barcelona, his only preferred destination.
As reported by Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT ), the 26-year-old has reiterated to Barça officials in recent hours that he is prepared to withstand the pressure and wait in the hope of eventually breaking through Atlético Madrid’s resistance.
At the same time, he has made a more public gesture on social media that appears to reinforce that commitment. He “liked” a TikTok video linking him with Barcelona.
Untenable situation
The relationship between Alvarez and Atletico Madrid has become increasingly untenable.
The 26-year-old was loudly booed on his return to the Metropolitano and left the stadium alone after the match against Villarreal, while his teammates stayed behind to thank the supporters.
That growing tension has led the Madrid club to consider a potential €150 million sale of their star, but not to just any team.
Atletico have kept the door closed to Barcelona while leaving it open for Arsenal. The Spanish capital club are willing to listen to an offer from the English side, who believe they can reach an agreement with Atlti before the transfer window closes.
However, the Gunners will not make a formal proposal until the player gives some indication that he is open to returning to the Premier League.
Alvarez stands firm
However, the Argentine only wants to wear the Barcelona shirt, despite Arsenal’s interest as an alternative route out of Atletico.
Alvarez only wants Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The striker returned to action last Sunday following the World Cup, during which he publicly expressed his desire to leave Atletico, and has continued making viral gestures towards Barça.
As mentioned earlier, Julian liked a TikTok video showing him looking up at the sky, where he is pictured celebrating a goal in a Barcelona shirt.
This comes after a post made by his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, pointing fingers at the Atletico Madrid board for not fulfilling their promises.
With exactly one week remaining before the transfer window closes, the 2022 World Cup champion is exhausting every possibility of fulfilling his dream.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are continuing to try to convince Atletico Madrid, who remain reluctant to sell their star to one of their direct La Liga rivals.
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