Atlético de Madrid: Julián Álvarez misses training as transfer saga drags on

Unwell, Julián Álvarez missed Atlético's training session this Wednesday, just days before the transfer window closes

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Atlético de Madrid: Julián Álvarez misses training as transfer saga drags on

Julián Álvarez was absent from Atlético de Madrid training after a rough night. This medical absence comes as speculation about his future continues to swirl.

Atlético de Madrid returned to training on Wednesday without Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward, who reportedly had a sleepless night and was feeling unwell, was given permission by the club to stay home and recover. His absence is not seen as a sign of an imminent departure, even though it comes at a particularly tense moment in ongoing transfer speculation.

🚨🤒 Julián Álvarez, absent from training at Atlético Madrid due to illness as he feels unwell — as @marca reports.

Arsenal are still attentive to the situation if Julián decides at any point to open doors to a move.

Álvarez only indicated Barcelona as desired club so far. pic.twitter.com/iDAbTClID7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2026

An increasingly tense atmosphere at the Metropolitano

On Sunday, during the 2-2 draw with Villarreal, Álvarez endured a tough return in front of the Madrid crowd. Starting the match on the bench, he was booed during warm-ups, when his name was announced, and again as he came on in the 66th minute. At the final whistle, while his teammates saluted the stands, the Argentine walked alone back to the locker room amid jeers from the fans.

This sequence was not a personal decision. Diego Simeone explained that the club had asked him not to approach the supporters, given the explosive atmosphere since the World Cup winner made it clear he wanted to join FC Barcelona.

Barça still hopeful, Arsenal remain in contention

With just five days left before the transfer window closes, Barcelona could still make a last-ditch attempt. But Atlético are holding firm: a sale to their Catalan rivals is not on the table. However, the Madrid club could consider an offer from Arsenal—if the Gunners meet the €150 million asking price and Álvarez agrees to the move.

The situation appears deadlocked. Álvarez continues to prefer a move to Catalonia, while Atlético are determined not to strengthen a direct rival. After initial tensions between the two clubs, the final days of the transfer window could still see dramatic twists in a saga that's become difficult for all parties involved.