Atletico Madrid sets Sunday deadline for Julian Alvarez transfer decision

Atletico Madrid has given Julian Alvarez until Sunday to decide whether to accept a transfer to Arsenal or apologize and reintegrate with the squad, setting a firm deadline to resolve a summer-long saga. The Spanish club has refused to sell the Argentine striker to Barcelona, his preferred destination, and is now demanding a swift resolution as the Premier League transfer window nears its close on September 1. The 26-year-old has spent the summer seeking a move to Barcelona, but Atletico has repeatedly stated it will not negotiate with its La Liga rival. In a statement issued on August 28, the club's board of directors unanimously supported the decision not to sell to Barcelona, citing a lack of professional and ethical conduct from the Catalan side. Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said Alvarez is "completely confused" and going through a difficult personal and professional situation. The player has not trained for several days due to illness and will not play in the weekend fixture against Sevilla. Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, have emerged as the primary alternative.