Diego Simeone reveals Atletico Madrid were behind Julian Alvarez fan snub amid continued Barcelona pursuit | OneFootball

Barcelona have not given up hope of signing Julian Alvarez, although they are starting to run out of time to bring him to the Spotify Camp Nou. Atletico Madrid are determined not to sell to a direct rival, and for now, that is why he has remained at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano – which is where he was not particularly welcome at the weekend.

Atleti drew 2-2 with Villarreal on Sunday, with Alvarez making his first appearance of the season. As expected, he was greeted with a loud chorus of jeers and boos until entering the pitch, but he did not have the chance to receive the same reaction when the match came to an end.

Rather than joining his teammates in greeting the home supporters, Alvarez quickly made his way down the tunnel. While this was initially seen as disrespectful, Atleti head coach Diego Simeone confirmed (via Diario AS) that it was a club decision, rather than one made by the Argentine striker.

Will Barcelona finally sign Alvarez this week?

Despite Atleti’s stance, Barcelona believe that Alvarez can still be signed before the transfer window closes next week. The situation with the club’s supporters does give them hope, given that their feeling towards the 26-year-old is unlikely to ease until the day he departs.

But if he does go this summer, it appears that Barcelona will not be his destination. Arsenal are currently favourites to sign him, with Atleti having now opened the door for a deal to be done with the reigning Premier League champions in the next seven days.