According to COPE radio, Alvarez has provided Atletico with a medical report confirming he is experiencing severe depression. The 26-year-old forward has not participated in training for three consecutive days and will be absent from Atletico’s away match against Sevilla in the third round of La Liga on 29/8.

Previously, Atletico confirmed Alvarez was facing health issues preventing him from training this week, but did not disclose a specific diagnosis.

Spanish midfielder Rodri (16) controls the ball in front of Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez (9) during the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States on 19/7. Photo: AP

Alvarez’s future at Atletico has become tense due to intense pursuit from Barcelona. The Argentinian forward reached a personal agreement for a five-year contract with the Catalan club in early june. Barcelona views him as a successor to Robert Lewandowski in the central forward position.

Alvarez also wants to join Barcelona, a club he once called a "dream" when discussing his future. However, Atletico is determined not to sell the forward to a La Liga rival.

On 28/8, Barcelona President Joan Laporta reiterated the club’s interest in Alvarez. He stated that Barcelona had received information that Atletico wanted to sell the player and that Barcelona’s offer remains valid until the transfer window closes.

Laporta mentioned he had directly discussed the transfer offer with Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin. The Barcelona president said the two clubs maintain respect and could quickly finalize the deal if Atletico gives the green light.

However, Atletico has no intention of doing so. On 27/8, Atletico’s board of directors issued a statement unanimously supporting the decision not to negotiate with Barcelona regarding Alvarez. The Madrid club believes Barcelona has not met the necessary conditions to proceed with the transfer and affirmed that selling Alvarez to the Catalan club "is not being considered at all".

Atletico remains open to other transfer market negotiations, provided they are conducted professionally and respectfully. According to Spanish media, Arsenal is a potential destination Atletico is considering if Alvarez were to leave Metropolitano Stadium.

Arsenal is reportedly willing to pay approximately 150 million EUR (175 million USD) for the Argentinian forward. Nevertheless, Alvarez does not wish to return to England after his time with Man City.

Julian Alvarez (number 9) celebrates his goal to make it 2-0 with Jose Manuel Lopez, Lionel Messi, and Lautaro Martinez in Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals at Kansas City, Missouri, United States on 11/7. Photo: AP

The dispute between Alvarez and Atletico has become public in recent days. In Atletico’s opening La Liga match at home against Villarreal on 23/8, a section of Atletico fans booed the Argentinian forward, indicating growing tension between the player and supporters.

CEO Gil Marin also admitted on 27/8 that Alvarez is going through a difficult period. "He is truly in a bad state because some people have misled and confused him," Gil Marin said in Monaco, where the Champions League draw took place.

Marin described Alvarez as "a wonderful person, a professional, and a good footballer," but noted he is experiencing "a very, very difficult situation" both personally and professionally.

Coach Diego Simeone was also asked about Alvarez’s condition during the press conference before the Sevilla match. The Argentinian coach confirmed his player would not be in the squad and expressed hope that he could help Alvarez professionally once he returns to training.

The 56-year-old coach also affirmed that the Argentinian forward’s situation has not affected the entire team, as the players continue to train well and focus on the match against Sevilla.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Man City in the summer of 2024 for a fee that could reach approximately 95 million EUR (111 million USD). In his first two seasons in Madrid, he quickly became a crucial player for Simeone.

However, just months into the new season, Alvarez is embroiled in a transfer dispute between Atletico and Barcelona. With five days remaining in the summer transfer window, the Argentinian forward’s future remains undecided.

While Barcelona wants to bring Alvarez to Camp Nou, Atletico has declared it will not sell him to that club "at any cost." The Madrid club simultaneously aims to direct the player towards Arsenal, but Alvarez only wants to move to Barcelona.

Hoang An (according to COPE)