Julian Alvarez holds family talks over Arsenal move as deadline approaches

Julian Alvarez has reportedly held a lengthy meeting with his family and representatives as he considers whether to accept a move to Arsenal or remain at Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old's preferred destination remains Barcelona, but Atletico have emphatically ruled out negotiating with the Catalan club following a breakdown in relations between the two sides.

That has left Arsenal as Alvarez's most realistic route away from Madrid, although David Ornstein reports that the striker has already spoken to Mikel Arteta and indicated that he does not currently want to join the Gunners.

According to Cadena SER, Alvarez held a five-hour meeting on Thursday evening which continued into the early hours of Friday morning.

His agent Fernando Hidalgo, members of his management team and legal advisers were reportedly involved as the player's camp considered the options available before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Atletico are said to have given Alvarez until Sunday evening to decide whether he intends to stay or pursue a transfer to Arsenal.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly maintained hope that an agreement can still be reached.

“We’re keeping our hopes up and sticking to our plan,” Laporta said, confirming Barcelona remain committed to their proposal.

Atletico, however, responded by reiterating that there is “zero consideration” of selling Alvarez to Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of failing to conduct negotiations in a manner they considered professional and respectful.

That stance leaves Arsenal in a potentially strong position if Alvarez decides he must leave Atletico this summer.

Atletico are reportedly prepared to negotiate with the Gunners and could demand around £130million for the Argentina international.

There have also been suggestions in Spain that Viktor Gyokeres could become part of negotiations, while Gabriel Jesus has been linked with Atletico after becoming surplus to requirements at Arsenal.

However, the decisive issue is not currently an agreement between the clubs.

It is Alvarez himself.

Speaking to TNT Sports on Saturday, Ornstein explained that Arsenal are prepared to explore an agreement with Atletico but will not proceed unless Alvarez genuinely wants the move.

“At the time of reporting, there is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to Arsenal,” Ornstein said.

“Alvarez has shown no indication of wanting to join at this point. He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said that he doesn’t want to come.”

Ornstein stressed that the situation could still change before the deadline, but added that “right now, it’s not developing.”

With Barcelona seemingly blocked and Atletico demanding a decision, Alvarez now faces a crucial choice between reconsidering Arsenal or repairing his relationship with his current club.

The next move belongs to Alvarez. Arsenal appear prepared to negotiate with Atletico, but the Gunners will only advance if the striker makes it clear he wants to join them.

With Atletico reportedly demanding a decision by Sunday evening and Barcelona's route effectively blocked, the coming days could determine whether Alvarez changes his position on Arsenal or stays in Madrid.