Atletico Madrid chief executive Gil Marin has handed Arsenal a major transfer boost by opening the door to selling striker Julian Alvarez, while ruling out any deal with Barcelona.
Alvarez has not trained for two days citing illness after Atletico refused to negotiate with Barcelona, the club the forward wishes to join.
The Spanish club underlined their determination not to deal with their La Liga rivals by publishing an official statement on their website confirming that Alvarez will not be sold to Barcelona.
Speaking in an interview with Spanish media, Marin revealed that Atletico want to keep the Argentina international but will look for a solution if he decides to leave Madrid.
"Our intention is for Julián to stay with us so we can compete with the biggest clubs," Marin said. "If he comes to the conclusion that he doesn’t want to continue in Madrid, we’ll look for a solution. But never with FC Barcelona."
Marin also addressed the player's absence from training and criticized Barcelona's conduct during their pursuit of the striker.
"Julián is in poor health," Marin added. "There are people who have taken it upon themselves to deceive and confuse him, and he is going through a difficult situation. We are outraged and disgusted by the lack of ethics. We are not going to negotiate with Barcelona. The only firm decision is that we will NOT negotiate."
Arsenal interest and London talks
Arsenal have made their interest in Alvarez clear as they seek to strengthen their squad. Representatives from the English club spoke to Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany in London last Thursday and reiterated their willingness to buy the Argentina striker for his £128million asking price.
Atletico Madrid have insisted they will refuse to sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona this summer despite the player's desire to join the Catalan side.
Player decision ahead
The main obstacle for Arsenal remains the player's initial uncertainty about returning to England, with Barcelona having been his sole focus. With that door firmly shut, Alvarez must now decide whether to sit it out at Atletico Madrid or consider moving to the Premier League champions.
Atletico Madrid compete in Spain's top division, La Liga, alongside Barcelona. Arsenal are based in London and compete in the English Premier League.
