Arsenal: Fresh Julian Alvarez transfer twist confirmed after Mikel Arteta talks | OneFootball

Summer long transfer saga is nearing a conclusion

The 26-year-old stayed away from the Atletico first team ahead of Saturday's LaLiga clash against Sevilla due to a stomach bug.

This came after the Argentina international was booed by his own fans during a draw with Villarreal last weekend, before walking straight down the tunnel after the match, in a pre-agreed decision with the club.

While Alvarez missed Atletico’s 3-1 win over Sevilla, he trained alone at the club’s facilities and is expected to rejoin the group on Sunday.

Atletico sporting director Matheu Alemany said: "He trained yesterday, and we hope he recovers quickly and is ready for the upcoming La Liga match.”

Atletico are next in action on September 5 against Athletic Club and it has been previously reported that Alvarez has been handed a deadline of Sunday (today) to decide whether he wants to stay or join Arsenal, as a move to Barcelona has been ruled out.

Standard Sport have reported that Arsenal continue to work on a deal for Alvarez in the background and it is understood that Atletico could be open to selling to the Gunners for the right price.

However, speaking on Saturday morning, The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed Alvarez has told Mikel Arteta that he does not want to return to England.

“At the time of reporting, there is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to Arsenal,” Ornstein told TNT Sports.

“Alvarez has shown no indication of wanting to join at this point. He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said that he doesn’t want to come.

“That could change, these situations are always movable, so I don’t want to say it won’t happen, but right now, it’s not developing.”