Man City ‘ready to HIJACK’ Arsenal transfer for Julian Alvarez as Atletico star skips training for third straight day

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly thinking up a plan to commandeer Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Atletico Madrid striker has missed training with his team-mates for three days in a row after being struck down by illness. Man City are reportedly thinking up a plan to comandeer Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez Credit: Getty Alvarez left City in 2024 after growing frustrated at playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland Credit: PA Marca claim that Alvarez returned to Atletico’s Cerro del Espino base on Friday afternoon to work individually with a fitness coach. And his uncertain future has now alerted former club City, who are exploring the possibility of bringing the Argentine back to the Etihad. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Alvarez left M11 for Madrid in 2024 after growing frustrated at playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland. He quickly established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe under Diego Simeone after finally getting the regular starting role he wanted. But his future at Atletico has been thrown into doubt this summer, with Arsenal among a long list of clubs keeping tabs on the 26-year-old. Barcelona have actively pursued Alvarez all summer but, after a very public spat with the their LaLiga rivals, that move is now said to be IMPOSSIBLE. Alvarez, 26, wanted to move to the Nou Camp and has seemingly burned his bridges at Atelti. So that leaves the Premier League as the most realistic destination if he does push for an exit. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Gunners are desperate for a top-class frontman and had been considered his most likely option in England. But City could now enter the race. Enzo Maresca’s side are believed to have made initial enquiries over a potential loan deal. City’s attacking options have been weakened following the departures of Omar Marmoush and Savio. However, there remain major hurdles to overcome before Alvarez could seal a sensational Etihad return. The forward is reportedly reluctant to move back to England after choosing to leave City two years ago. Atletico are also in no mood to sell cheaply and turned down a massive £130MILLION offer from city rivals Real Madrid earlier in the summer. That means it would take a huge British record transfer fee to seal a deal. Alternatively, the Spanish giants could demand a ready-made replacement such as Viktor Gyokeres before sanctioning his departure. Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin reiterated on Thursday that the club want Alvarez to stay. Simeone also made his feelings clear, saying: “I hope to help Julian continue to be as important to us as he still is.” Comment now