Barcelona target Julian Alvarez accepts his fate and returns to Atletico Madrid group training

According to Mundo Deportivo, Julian Alvarez has accepted that his desire to play for FC Barcelona will not materialize in the near future, and the Atletico Madrid forward returned to training with his teammates this Sunday, August 30.

The 26-year-old striker appeared serious, as he had been in the days leading up to his absence, but at least he was back at the club’s training ground, taking the first steps towards restoring normality.

Alvarez set to stay

With two days remaining before the transfer window closes, everything points towards the Argentine staying at Atlético unless there is a major surprise.

He has seemingly accepted, following the public statements from Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, that the club will negotiate with Barcelona and that he will not be moving to Catalonia for now.

Atletico had presented Alvarez with two possibilities: remain at the club or accept an offer from Arsenal, the only side willing to pay his €150 million asking price.

However, the forward informed Mikel Arteta and Arsenal of his decision not to join the London club.

Alvarez expected to be back for the next game

Before their fixture against Sevilla on Saturday, Mateu Alemany, Atletico Madrid’s director of professional football, indicated that Alvarez should be available for the next game against Athletic Club.

“Julian had some days when he wasn’t feeling well, yesterday he trained and we expect him to be available for the next league match,” the former Barcelona executive stated.

Alemany then reinforced the club’s position on the transfer saga, firmly stating: “We have been clear. The board has said it, Miguel Angel Gil Marin has said it, and I refer to that. Why should I speak?”

For now, therefore, Alvarez is back in training and preparing to continue as an Atletico Madrid player, with the Barcelona option effectively closed and Arsenal having been ruled out by the forward himself.

As far as the Blaugrana’s position is concerned, as things stand, it seems unlikely that they will sign a different centre-forward this summer.

The plan will likely be to continue with Raphinha as a false-nine, while also relying on the versatility of players like Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. Youngster Hamza Abdelkarim will also be an option to play as a No. 9.

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