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Julian Alvarez to miss Sevilla clash amid Arsenal links
29th August, 2026 12:44 PM
Julián Álvarez is set to miss Atlético Madrid’s clash with Sevilla FC this Saturday, August 29,2026, after being absent from training for a third consecutive day.
Álvarez’s continued absence comes at a particularly significant moment, with the Argentine forward at the centre of one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories.
The striker did not take part in Atletico’s training session on Friday, extending his spell away from the squad to three successive days. As a result, he is expected to be unavailable when Atletico face Sevilla.
Transfer uncertainty surrounds Alvarez
Álvarez’s absence from training has also added another layer to the speculation surrounding his future at the Madrid club.
The forward has reportedly attracted strong interest from FC Barcelona, but Atletico have remained unwilling to sanction a move to their LaLiga rivals.
Barcelona’s pursuit has therefore created a major transfer standoff, with Atletico determined to retain one of their key attacking players.
Arsenal FC are also understood to be monitoring the situation. The Premier League side are reportedly viewed as the most realistic alternative destination should Álvarez decide that he wants to leave Atletico.
For now, however, the immediate consequence is his expected absence against Sevilla, with his three-day training omission raising further questions about both his availability and his situation at Atletico.
The timing is particularly notable as the transfer window approaches its conclusion, leaving Álvarez’s future one of the major storylines to watch alongside Atletico’s preparations for their upcoming fixtures.
Artleti’s CEO on the situation
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said on Friday, August 28, 2026: “[Julián] is really struggling. There were people who misled him, who left him confused, and the truth is that I deeply regret it.
“I know him, I’ve been working with him for some time, and he is a great person, a great professional and an excellent footballer.
“He is completely confused and, at the moment, he is going through a very difficult situation, both personally and professionally.” He said.
Arteta on the speculation
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also broken his silence on the transfer speculation: “Very simple. Whatever you read, if you have a question, come and knock on my door, and I will tell you whether it is true or not.
“Because a player in any position, if they read it, we could put a catalogue on the walls about all the players that we wanted in the last three months, and we would need the whole building.
“They know that there’s so much speculation. So if ever they feel the doubt of what we think about them, and if we’re going to recruit a player, I tell them straight away.
“And if we’re going to sign somebody in their position, I normally tell them. I say: ‘These are the plans and the reasons. We still believe in you, but the competition is going to increase’. I prefer to do it that way.” Arteta said on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
