Julian Alvarez has missed Atletico Madrid training for a telling reason.
The wantaway forward has cited ‘illness’ for the no-show, but the term has quickly become known in most cases as a player not wanting to train before a transfer.
Most recently Yan Diomande missed Leipzig training through illness before signing for Real Madrid days later.
The news raises more suspicion over Alvarez’s future with Barcelona and Arsenal in hot pursuit.
Barca have already bid €100million for the striker, but Atleti are intent on not selling to their rivals due to a distasteful tapping-up campaign from their players and president.
Reports claim they are open to an Arsenal sale, but Alvarez doesn’t want the move and is holding out for Barca.
All statements suggested Alvarez would end up staying, but his return to the club has complicated matters.
In Atleti’s season opener against Malaga his name was booed during the team announcements and he sat on the bench with a face like thunder.
He then came on against Villarreal next time out and received the same abuse and put in a sulky, poor performance.
Julian Alvarez’s attitude is causing problems
Explaining the issue, Atleti journalist Miguel Martín Talavera said: “While he’s at Atlético—as he promised his teammates, a promise he’s now failing to keep—he’s not giving his all as a professional.
“In my opinion, he didn’t do that against Villarreal. His attitude didn’t reflect the level of his teammates when he apologised for what happened.
“Because of everything that’s happened and how this whole thing has been handled by his agent, his advisors, and also by FC Barcelona . It’s not a question of apology or not, it’s a question of Atlético de Madrid not being harmed.
“If he has to leave, whenever that may be, he should go to a place the club decides on for the appropriate financial compensation. Not for whatever his agent or FC Barcelona deems appropriate.”
Atleti also appear to be making plans for a departure with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson the latest name linked.
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