Julian Alvarez has reportedly slammed the door on a sensational return to Manchester City, insisting that he does not want to return to the Premier League despite growing uncertainty over his future at Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina international has found himself at the centre of one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas, with his future at Atletico increasingly unclear and several European giants monitoring his situation.
Arsenal have identified Alvarez as their priority attacking target and remain keen to bring the 26-year-old back to England.
But there is a major obstacle, Alvarez himself.
The striker is reportedly determined to remain in Spain, with Barcelona understood to be his preferred destination if he eventually decides to leave Atletico.
Barcelona tested Atletico’s resolve earlier in the summer with a €100 million (£86 million) offer for the forward, but the bid was rejected.
Atletico have since made their position crystal clear.
The Madrid club are unwilling to negotiate with their La Liga rivals and have reportedly told Barcelona there is “zero per cent chance” of Alvarez being sold to them.
With Barcelona struggling to make progress and Arsenal waiting in the wings, Manchester City have now emerged as another potential destination.
According to reports from Marca, Pep Guardiola’s side are interested in bringing back the striker they sold to Atletico two summers ago for around £82 million.
City reportedly contacted Atletico to express their interest in a possible reunion.
However, they did not get far enough to make a formal offer.
According to Cadena SER, Alvarez “categorically rejected” the possibility of returning to the Etihad Stadium.
The report claims the Argentine made it clear to City that he does not want to return to Manchester.
It is understood that Alvarez has maintained the same position throughout the summer, he does not want to return to England.
Why Alvarez does not want England
The situation is particularly intriguing because Alvarez’s reluctance to return to the Premier League is reportedly not primarily motivated by football.
While the striker has previously turned down Arsenal on multiple occasions, his decision to remain in Spain is believed to be linked partly to family considerations.
Reports indicate that Alvarez is aware of visa regulations in the United Kingdom that could make it more difficult for members of his family to visit him.
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Those complications would not arise to the same extent in Spain, making a continued stay in La Liga more attractive to the Argentine.
That could prove crucial in determining the next chapter of his career.
Arsenal remain one of the clubs most strongly linked with Alvarez and are reportedly viewed as his most realistic option should he eventually leave Atletico.
The Gunners desperately want to strengthen their attack and regard the World Cup winner as a player capable of transforming their frontline.
But Arsenal’s problem is obvious: they need to convince a player who has repeatedly indicated that he does not want to return to England.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have Alvarez’s preference on their side but face Atletico’s firm refusal to sell to a direct La Liga rival.
Manchester City have the financial power and a familiar relationship with the player, but Alvarez has already rejected the possibility of returning.
The result is a fascinating transfer stalemate.
Atletico want to keep their star forward. Barcelona want him, but cannot convince Atletico to negotiate. Arsenal want him, but must overcome the player’s reluctance to return to England. And Manchester City, despite their interest, have apparently been told that a reunion is not happening.
For now, Alvarez appears determined to stay in Spain, leaving one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories hanging on whether Atletico can persuade him to remain or whether another club can finally change his mind.