Atletico Madrid Eye Gabriel Jesus as Backup Plan for Departing Julian Alvarez
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez returned to team training on Sunday, August 30, after missing three consecutive sessions amid uncertainty over his future at the club. The Argentine striker was absent from Atletico's La Liga match against Sevilla, with the club attributing his absence to "health issues." President Miguel Ángel Gil Marín described Alvarez as being in a "confused" state and "in a very difficult situation both personally and professionally." Manager Diego Simeone expressed hope that the player could help the team, calling him an "outstanding footballer." The transfer window closes on September 1, leaving limited time for any deal to materialize .
Key Points
- Julian Alvarez missed three first-team training sessions last week and only trained individually on Friday before rejoining the squad on Sunday .
- The Argentine forward has been seeking a move to Barcelona, though Arsenal also expressed interest, with Atletico only willing to sell to non-La Liga clubs .
- Atletico Madrid has identified Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus as a potential replacement, estimated to cost approximately €17 million (around HK$150 million) .
- Gabriel Jesus, 29, has fallen to a bench role at Arsenal with just one year remaining on his contract, making him a viable transfer target .
- Barcelona, unable to secure Alvarez, is negotiating with Arsenal for Gabriel Jesus as an alternative signing .
- England striker Ollie Watkins completed a £51 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, expressing gratitude to Aston Villa .
Why It Matters
This developing situation highlights the final-day chaos of Europe's summer transfer window, where clubs scramble to complete deals before the deadline. For Atletico, securing a replacement like Gabriel Jesus would ensure their attacking options remain strong regardless of Alvarez's departure. The move also reflects the growing influence of Saudi Arabian clubs in the global transfer market, having secured another high-profile Premier League striker following their aggressive recruitment campaign this summer .
This developing situation highlights the final-day chaos of Europe's summer transfer window, where clubs scramble to complete deals before the deadline. For Atletico, securing a replacement like Gabriel Jesus would ensure their attacking options remain strong regardless of Alvarez's departure. The move also reflects the growing influence of Saudi Arabian clubs in the global transfer market, having secured another high-profile Premier League striker following their aggressive recruitment campaign this summer .