Julián Álvarez’s dispute with Atlético Madrid over his future has developed into a sensitive personal situation after Cadena COPE, citing unnamed sources, reported that the Argentine striker is suffering from depression and has consequently missed team training for a third consecutive day.
Álvarez has been ruled out of Atlético’s squad for Saturday’s La Liga match against Sevilla. However, the club have not announced any medical diagnosis and have described his condition only as an “indisposition,” while making their medical services available to him.
Diego Simeone spoke calmly about his player at his press conference, saying: “Obviously, Julián will not be with us tomorrow.” He added: “When he returns to training, I will do everything I can to make him feel as important as he has always been.”
The Spider’s absence came only days after a difficult evening against Villarreal at the Metropolitano. The supporters greeted him with loud boos when his name was announced, repeated them while he warmed up and again when he entered in the 66th minute, before he left the pitch alone following the 2-2 draw at the club’s request to avoid another confrontation with the stands.
The story began when Álvarez announced during the World Cup that he wanted to leave, identifying Barcelona as his first and only destination. The Catalan club remained committed to the deal until the closing days of the window, with Joan Laporta saying that Barcelona were still “very interested” in the Argentine forward and hoped their offer would be accepted.
Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín nevertheless closed the door completely, insisting that his club had not negotiated and would not negotiate with Barcelona “under any circumstances.” He added that Julián was “in a very bad state” after being deceived, in his words, and that Atlético could seek another destination if his continued stay became impossible—but that destination would never be Barcelona.
Arsenal are monitoring the situation and are ready to move for Álvarez, while also representing Atlético’s preferred destination if a sale becomes necessary. Spanish reports, however, say that the player has not opened the door to Mikel Arteta’s side and remains determined to join Barcelona and no other club.
