The Newshound

Julian Alvarez tells Mikel Arteta he does not want to join Arsenal as Sunday transfer deadline looms

Julian Alvarez has rejected a return to Manchester City and snubbed Arsenal's advances, with visa complications for his family cited as a key factor in his reluctance to return to England.
Julian Alvarez has rejected a return to Manchester City and snubbed Arsenal's advances, with visa complications for his family cited as a key factor in his reluctance to return to England.

Transfer expert David Ornstein has confirmed that Julian Alvarez called Mikel Arteta personally to tell the Arsenal manager he has no interest in moving to the Emirates. Atletico Madrid have given the 26-year-old Argentina striker until Sunday to declare his intentions, with Barcelona ruled out as an option. Arsenal were prepared to spend whatever was necessary, with reports placing Atletico's asking price at £128.4 million.

Alvarez's preference is exclusively Barcelona, but Atletico will not sell to a direct La Liga rival, leaving him effectively trapped in Madrid.

Arsenal offered Gabriel Jesus to Atletico for around £18 million in a separate bid to facilitate the deal and trim their squad.

UK immigration law presents a further obstacle — post-Brexit rules would allow Alvarez to bring only his partner to England, not the wider family he currently lives with in Madrid.

MoreMetroArsenal chances of signing Julian Alvarez rated as Atletico Madrid set new deadlAOL News UKJulian Alvarez makes Arsenal transfer decision after Mikel Arteta phone callAOL News UKArsenal given final deadline to submit £128m Julian Alvarez bid to complete transfer
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