news-engine

Arsenal get Julian Alvarez update as striker left out of Atletico Madrid squad Arsenal remain interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who is now back in training with his current club Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez has been left out of Atletico Madrid's squad for their penultimate friendly against Marseille ahead of the new La Liga season. The Argentina international returned to training with Atletico earlier this week following his extended break after the World Cup and speculation regarding his future continues to swirl. However, Atletico's decision to leave him out is centred around his lack of fitness, not his future. Marcos Llorente, Alex Baena (both won the World Cup with Spain) and Juan Musso (Argentina) are also missing as they are all slowly rebuilding their fitness. Marc Pubill, Alejandro Grimaldo (both Spain) and Giuliano Simeone (Argentina) all came back early voluntarily, so they are involved. FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page The latest regarding Alvarez's future is that Barcelona have slowly lost hope that a transfer is possible. That could, however, prove to be a boost for Arsenal as if Alvarez still decides he wants out, Atletico would prefer to sell abroad and not to a direct rival. Alvarez's agent Fernando Hidalgo was spotted at the club's facilities this week while the player is said to have been keen to speak personally with boss Diego Simeone. The former Manchester City man's price-tag also remains an issue and there are now suggestions Arsenal have loosely discussed a move for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, instead. Arsenal have the financial muscle to launch a big-money move for an attacker this window but it remains to be seen whether they can execute something because of the complex landscape. Mikel Arteta made this clear to football.london on Wednesday evening when we asked the Spaniard if he was satisfied with the club's recruitment work so far this summer. He said: "There is more that we want to do, because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that. We’re actively trying to do so - the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that. "The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us."Alvarez has his heart set on a transfer to Barcelona, so even if Arsenal are able to strike a deal with Atletico, it appears they would also need to convince the player to return to England. Official premium experiences at the Emirates are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.