Atletico Madrid’s sporting director has reiterated that Julian Alvarez is expected to be available for the club’s next match, according to Barca Universal. The statement comes amid ongoing speculation linking the Argentine forward with a move to Barcelona.
The director’s comments were reported on Sunday, 30 August 2026, and follow a period of intense transfer activity around Alvarez. Barca Universal reports that Atletico expects the player to feature in the upcoming fixture, signalling that the club currently views him as part of the squad.
Alvarez has been the subject of multiple reports in recent days. Sky Sports reported that Atletico Madrid has set a deadline for the striker to decide whether he will stay or join Arsenal. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera noted that Alvarez has returned to training with Atletico amid the Barcelona and Arsenal links.
Goal.com also quoted Atletico head coach Diego Simeone as saying the team needs Alvarez’s help and that something could happen before the transfer window closes. ESPN added that Alvarez will not play against Sevilla due to the ongoing transfer speculation.
The situation remains fluid, with the transfer window still open. Atletico’s public stance is that Alvarez is available for selection, but the coach’s own comments suggest a departure is possible before the deadline.
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Alvarez, though no formal agreement has been confirmed. Arsenal are also said to be in the race, with Sky Sports indicating that Atletico has given the player a deadline to make his intentions clear.
For now, Atletico’s position is that Alvarez remains part of the squad. The next few days will determine whether he stays in Madrid or moves on before the window shuts.
