Julian Alvarez Back in Atletico Madrid Squad After Transfer Standoff

Julian Alvarez will return to Atletico Madrid's squad for Saturday's La Liga trip to Athletic Club after being reintegrated into team training. Manager Diego Simeone confirmed the forward's availability following a turbulent end to the transfer window, BBC Sport reported on Friday.

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The 26-year-old missed two training days last week after citing illness, according to the report. His absence came after Atletico privately informed him that they would not approve a transfer to Barcelona. He also sat out Atletico's league match at Sevilla last weekend before resuming work with the squad this week.

BBC Sport reported that Arsenal emerged as a possible alternative destination and held direct discussions with Atletico. The Spanish club was open to selling Alvarez to the Premier League side, but the talks did not produce a deal before the window closed. Atletico also issued two public statements within 24 hours restating that he would not be allowed to join Barcelona.

Simeone said Alvarez has trained well and will be selected for the match in Bilbao. The Atletico coach called the situation a learning experience and said the player now has another opportunity with the team. Before Alvarez returned, Simeone had said he would do everything possible to ensure the striker felt important at the club.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal reported by BBC Sport at £81 million. The Argentina international has since scored 49 goals in 107 appearances for the Madrid club. He was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad, although he has yet to collect a trophy during his time with Atletico.

His immediate focus now shifts back to league competition rather than a transfer. Atletico are scheduled to face Athletic Club at 15:15 BST on Saturday, with Alvarez available to feature after missing the Sevilla game. Simeone's confirmation ends the short-term uncertainty over his squad status, while the failed moves leave the striker at Atletico beyond the summer window.