Julián Álvarez returns to Atlético Madrid training amid transfer speculation

Argentinian forward Julián Álvarez returned to training with Atlético Madrid on Sunday, September 30, following a period of absence and ongoing speculation regarding his future. Álvarez missed three training sessions late last week due to what the club termed an indisposition. He trained alone on Friday before returning to the full squad on Sunday. He was also absent from the squad during Atlético's 3 to 1 victory over Sevilla on Saturday.

Mateu Alemany, the director of men's professional football, stated that the plan is clear and that the club expects Álvarez to be available for the next La Liga match. However, tension remains as the La Liga transfer window closes on Tuesday. Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín accused Barcelona of dishonesty last week and asserted that Álvarez would never be sold to the Catalan club. A statement from the Atlético board further clarified that there will be no negotiations with Barcelona because the club failed to meet professional and ethical requirements.

While Barcelona continues to be linked to the player, who previously expressed a dream of playing for them during the World Cup, other reports suggest Arsenal is the only viable alternative. This would require the Premier League club to make an offer of approximately 150 million euros.