Julian Alvarez Faces Hostile Reaction from Atletico Madrid Fans Amid Transfer Uncertainty
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Julian Alvarez continues to experience a fractured relationship with Atletico Madrid fans, who reacted negatively during a recent match, expressing their discontent as speculation about his future lingers.
The 26-year-old forward has been the subject of transfer rumors linking him to Arsenal, yet little progress has been made on that front. Alvarez still favors a move to Barcelona, but Atletico has shown resistance to transferring him to a rival in La Liga.
Recent reports suggest that the divide between Alvarez and the team’s supporters is nearly complete. The striker, who had publicly shown interest in leaving Atletico during the World Cup, faced harsh treatment from his home crowd during a weekend encounter against Villarreal.
Supporters had already displayed banners outside Atletico’s training ground urging his exit. On the heels of being booed during previous games, Alvarez’s name received jeers during the announcements, followed by insults throughout the match, and whistling when he came on as a substitute in the 67th minute.
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The match reports indicated an unusually quiet performance from the Argentina international, who recorded only 12 touches. As Giuliano Simeone netted a late equalizer in the thrilling 2-2 draw, Alvarez was again whistled as he exited the field while his teammates showed appreciation to the fans.
In response to the situation, head coach Diego Simeone came to Alvarez’s defense, stating, “It was not his decision (to stay) but the club’s decision. But if we want to win titles, we need to be united and have quality strikers. We have him and we have to take care of him.”
According to Mario Cortegana from The Athletic, Atletico might consider parting with Alvarez for a hefty price of around €150 million, which translates to approximately £128.4 million, targeting Arsenal.
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An insider reportedly indicated that Arsenal is unlikely to meet this high demand, while acknowledging the current chaos surrounding Alvarez’s status. Meanwhile, James McNicholas of The Athletic mentioned that Arsenal has reached out to Alvarez’s representatives recently, though they are waiting for signs of encouragement from the player before initiating formal talks with Atletico.
Fabrizio Romano also noted Arsenal’s interest, stating they have requested to be updated if Alvarez decides to contemplate a return to the Premier League. He further revealed that while Alvarez hasn’t ruled out Arsenal, he still prioritizes moving to Barcelona.
Spanish outlet AS stated that Alvarez appreciates Arsenal’s intentions and views the club favorably as an option. Nevertheless, his previous encounters with UK visa regulations impacting his family during his stint at Manchester City have made him hesitant about moving back to England in light of new complications following Brexit.
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The Argentina international’s relationship with Atletico fans appears to have broken, but a move to north London remains far from straightforward.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Julian Alvarez‘s increasingly strained relationship with Atletico Madrid supporters has taken another turn, with the striker booed and insulted by his own fans as uncertainty over his future continues.
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The 26-year-old has been linked with Arsenal throughout the summer, but the situation remains unchanged in several key respects. Alvarez’s preferred destination is still Barcelona, while Atletico remain unwilling to sell him to their La Liga rivals.
According to reports from Spain, the split between player and supporters now appears almost total.
Alvarez, who publicly expressed his desire to leave Atletico during the World Cup, received a hostile reception from home supporters during the weekend’s match against Villarreal.
Supporters had already displayed banners outside Atletico’s training ground calling for his departure. Having also been abused during the previous home game against Malaga, Alvarez was again jeered before kick-off, booed when his name was announced, insulted during the match and whistled when he came on as as a sub in the 67th minute.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
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The reports describe an unusually subdued display from the Argentina international, who managed only 12 touches of the ball.
Even after Giuliano Simeone scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw, Alvarez was again whistled as he headed straight down the tunnel while his team-mates applauded the supporters.
Head coach Diego Simeone defended the forward afterwards, saying: “It was not his decision (to stay) but the club’s decision. But if we want to win titles, we need to be united and have quality strikers. We have him and we have to take care of him.”
The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana reports that Atletico would consider selling Alvarez to Arsenal this summer, but only for around €150 million, approximately £128.4 million.
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One source close to the club’s leadership reportedly suggested Arsenal are unlikely to pay that figure, while also acknowledging that Alvarez’s current situation has become “a farce”.
The Athletic’s James McNicholas reports that Arsenal have been in contact with Alvarez’s representatives over the past week, but are seeking encouragement from the player before opening formal discussions with Atletico.
Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Arsenal have asked to be kept informed if Alvarez becomes willing to consider a return to the Premier League. Romano added that the striker has not rejected Arsenal, but continues to prioritise a move to Barcelona.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that Alvarez appreciates Arsenal’s interest and views the club positively as an alternative.
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However, his previous experience with UK visa restrictions affecting members of his family during his time at Manchester City has made him reluctant to return to England. Another Brexit win.
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
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