Julian Alvarez Misses Training Again, Arsenal Continues Pursuit

Arsenal is reportedly prepared to go all out in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, according to local press. This comes after Atletico Madrid officially declared yesterday that his dream move to Barcelona was impossible. The "Rojiblancos" statement indicated that the Madrid club is open to negotiating for the player, but not with the Catalan giants. The Argentine goalscorer was once again absent from training on Thursday for the second consecutive day, citing "illness."

This leaves Alvarez with two options: either stay and potentially face a season of fan animosity, or agree to a transfer to a club other than Barcelona. Should the player choose to remain, Atletico would want the center-forward to publicly address the club's supporters to mend relations after a tumultuous summer. However, a source close to the former Manchester City striker believes the unpleasant situation has reached a point of no return. Alvarez's personal frustration with Atletico began at the end of last season when he received a pain-killing injection in his ankle to enable him to play in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.