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Julián Alvarez rejoined Atlético Madrid's group training sessions on Sunday, after sitting out three practices during the week amid his ongoing transfer uncertainty.
Alvarez's situation has been among the most talked-about stories of the summer, with Barcelona apparently making the Atleti striker their sole priority to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski as the focal point of their attack.
Despite Alvarez's personal wish to depart and "fulfil my dream," Atlético Madrid have been firm in their position: they refuse to sell to Barça. The Rojiblancos rejected a reported $115 million (€100 million) bid at the beginning of the summer and even filed a complaint against their La Liga rivals with the Spanish FA for improper conduct. None of this has discouraged Barcelona.
President Joan Laporta openly stated he was "very interested" in Alvarez last week, brushing aside Atleti's public resistance as he continued to apply pressure ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.
In response, Atlético released a statement asserting there was a "0% chance" of any sale to Barcelona.
After Alvarez was relentlessly booed and jeered upon his return to action for the club against Villarreal, reports have emerged that Atleti would consider selling to Arsenal—but only for approximately $173 million. Manchester City have also been mentioned as an unlikely destination for a potential reunion.
'The Plan Is Clear' Says Atletico Madrid Director
The drawn-out, months-long ordeal has sparked reports of Alvarez struggling with his mental wellbeing, while Atleti CEO Gil Marín acknowledged that the striker is "going through a very, very difficult situation, both personally and professionally."
The 26-year-old was absent from three training sessions last week due to "illness," and manager Diego Simeone left him out of the squad that traveled to Sevilla on Saturday for a 3–1 victory.
However, AS reports that Alvarez resumed solo training on Friday evening and was back participating in group sessions by Sunday. It is noted that the coaching staff organized a weekend session for players who didn't feature in Andalusia, alongside some youth team members.
Ahead of the Sevilla fixture, Atlético Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany told the press: "The plan is very clear. Julián had a few days where he wasn't feeling well. Yesterday [Friday] he trained and we expect him to rejoin the team quickly and be available for the next league match.
"I've spoken with him and everything is fine."
Simeone conveyed a similar message in his pre-match press conference, stating: "When Julián returns to training, I will do everything possible to make him feel as important as Julián has always been at the club."
Whether the supporters share that same sentiment as Simeone remains to be seen.
What Does Training Return Mean for Transfer Saga?
With only two days remaining in the transfer window, Atleti appear to be preparing for a scenario in which Alvarez remains part of their squad come September 2.
With a move to Barça seemingly ruled out (unless this has all been an elaborate bluff), it appears the only thing that could prevent the forward from featuring in Atleti's lineup for the clash with Athletic Club next weekend would be a massive offer from Arsenal.
However, whether Alvarez would even be willing to move to England is another question entirely. AS describe him as "unconvinced," while The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Argentina international spoke directly with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta to convey that he has no interest in joining the Premier League side.
Given the circumstances, the player's return to training could be interpreted as him abandoning hope of securing his dream transfer.