Julian Alvarez Rejects Mikel Arteta's Call Amid Atletico Madrid to Barcelona Transfer Push
Julian Alvarez reportedly declined a phone call from Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, signaling his unwillingness to return to the Premier League. The striker, currently with Atletico Madrid, is pushing for a move to Barcelona instead.
Alvarez Hesitates on Leaving Atletico Madrid
The Argentine forward is stuck in a difficult position with the summer transfer window closing fast. Despite Arsenal emerging as a key contender to sign him, Alvarez is resisting a move back to England’s top flight. This has caused significant frustration for Atletico Madrid, who want to sell the player.
The club needs funds to bring in new players and prefers not to keep an unhappy striker in the squad. Selling Alvarez to the Premier League would be ideal for them, but that option seems blocked for now.
Striker Ignores Arteta's Call
Reports from Spain reveal just how far Alvarez is going to avoid joining Arsenal. According to El Chiringuito host Josep Pedrerol, the former Manchester City forward refused to answer Arteta’s call.
"They tell me that the other day, Julian Alvarez did not want to answer Mikel Arteta’s phone call," Pedrerol said. "Arteta called Julian and he didn’t pick up because Julian Alvarez does not want to return to the Premier League, and Atletico need him to go to the Premier League because they don’t want an unhappy player and need money to sign."
Barcelona Waits for Atletico Madrid's Agreement
With the Premier League route blocked, Barcelona is closely watching developments. The Catalan club hopes Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin will agree to a domestic transfer despite the rivalry between the two teams.
There has been tension in this saga, especially after Atletico president Enrique Cerezo publicly criticized Barcelona, which surprised the Blaugrana since Cerezo usually stays silent on such matters.
"Atletico needs him to move there. They don’t want an unhappy player on the roster and they need the funds for new signings. Atletico is in a difficult spot, and Barcelona is hoping Gil Marín will eventually swallow his pride and allow Julián to join Barca, as it is the only real option available," Pedrerol added.
"Barca has been very surprised to see Enrique Cerezo get involved in the fray. Cerezo usually avoids taking a stand, yet he has been openly criticizing Barca in several statements - an attitude that has caught the club off guard. If the club’s best interests were the priority, he would be sold."
Pressure Grows on Atletico to Finalize Sale
The transfer deadline is drawing near, and Atletico Madrid faces increasing pressure to resolve the situation. Their negotiating power diminishes as time slips away.
The club must decide whether to strike a deal with a direct competitor or risk having to reintegrate a player clearly unhappy with his current circumstances if no agreement is reached with Barcelona or any surprise buyer emerges.
