JULIAN ALVAREZ has reportedly told Mikel Arteta he does not want to join Arsenal in a bitter blow to the Premier League champions.
The Gunners have spent most of the summer tracking the Atletico Madrid striker.
Julian Alvarez does not want to join Arsenal Credit: PA
The news comes as a big blow to Mikel Arteta Credit: Getty
Many view the Argentine forward, 26, as an upgrade on Viktor Gyokeres and a more suitable No9 than Kai Havertz.
But now a deal appears to be off – with no new striker set to sign before the deadline.
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According to David Ornstein on TNT Sports, Alvarez has no desire to make a switch to the Emirates before Tuesday night’s deadline.
He said: “At the time of reporting, it’s a low chance that Alvarez will come to Arsenal because he’s had his heart set on Barcelona if he leaves Atletico.
“Atletico Madrid have closed the doors to Barcelona – that [deal] won’t happen.
“They would do a deal with Arsenal.
“Arsenal are prepared to reach an agreement club to club.
“But they would want the player to join them and he’s shown no indication of wanting to at this point.
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“He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said he doesn’t want to come.
“Now that could change. Could he soften in the days ahead?
“These situations are always movable beasts. Right now, it’s not developing in the way some have suggested or want it to.
“Alvarez would be the target and if they don’t get him maybe they go with what they’ve got.”
Alvarez went public in June to confirm he is hoping for a transfer but the bad blood between Barca and Atleti ruled out a switch to the Nou Camp.
Diego Simeone’s side want a whopping £128million for the World Cup winner.
Alvarez missed training this week and is not expected to feature against Sevilla tonight.
But while the Gunners seemed a possible option, shock reports this week suggested Manchester City were ready to hijack any deal to bring the star back to the Etihad.
Either way, Atleti are said to have told Alvarez to sort himself out and make a final decision on his future by Jattvibeday – two days before the window closes.
