Atletico block Barcelona move for Alvarez, open to Arsenal sale

Atletico Madrid are said to have told Julian Alvarez they will not approve a transfer to Barcelona and are prepared to sell him to Arsenal, with the player having missed two days of training earlier this week.

Sami Mokbel has revealed that the Spanish club privately communicated their stance to Alvarez earlier in the week and subsequently underlined it with two statements. The same reporting indicates Atletico would be willing to proceed with a sale to Arsenal while ruling out a move to Barcelona.

The position effectively closes off one route while signalling that a switch to the Premier League side could be entertained if the buying club advances matters. It does not in itself confirm an offer or negotiations, but it clarifies where Atletico stand on potential destinations.

The report adds that Alvarez has been absent from training for two sessions since that communication. No reason for the absence is stated, and there is no suggestion within the piece of formal disciplinary action being taken at this stage.

Key particulars such as any fee, conditions of a prospective deal or a timetable for next steps are not specified in the reporting. The development instead centres on Atletico’s choice of preferred buyer and the immediate fallout around the player’s availability for training.