Julián Álvarez misses Atlético Madrid training due to illness amid transfer speculation

Julián Álvarez missed Atlético Madrid’s Wednesday morning training session after feeling unwell during the night, according to the Spanish newspaper Sport. The Argentina striker’s absence occurred while questions about his future at the club have intensified during the current summer transfer window.

Reports say Álvarez has expressed a desire to join Barcelona and Atlético have declined that request, citing the forward’s contract which runs until 2030. The Athletic has reported Atlético would consider offers of €150m for Álvarez and that the club would be willing to sell to Arsenal if that valuation were met.

Sport stated the player did not take part in training after experiencing a health issue overnight. Álvarez had been used as a substitute in Sunday’s game against Villarreal, entering the match in the 66th minute in what was his first appearance off the bench since the start of the season.

Álvarez was also absent from Atlético’s 2-0 victory against Málaga in their first LaLiga match, and his reduced involvement this summer has fuelled transfer talk around his future. The latest missed session was attributed to illness rather than a confirmed transfer development.

A social media post cited Marca reporting Álvarez’s unwell status and added that Arsenal remain attentive to the situation while noting: "🚨🤒 Julián Álvarez, absent from training at Atlético Madrid due to illness as he feels unwell — as @marca reports.Arsenal are still attentive to the situation if Julián decides at any point to open doors to a move.Álvarez only indicated Barcelona as desired club so far. pic.twitter.com/iDAbTClID7"

Atlético’s handling of Álvarez’s availability and any approach from interested clubs is under close scrutiny; the club’s position regarding a potential sale is being examined during this transfer window, and the most recent absence has been explained by illness.