Everyone is still awaiting news on the fate of Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez, who is linked with leaving the Rojiblancos during the current summer transfer window and moving to Barcelona.
Álvarez wants to leave Atlético Madrid this summer, as the Argentine international stated during his participation in the World Cup that he would like to achieve his dream, in reference to his desire to wear Barcelona’s colors.
However, Atlético Madrid is still insisting on keeping Álvarez in their squad and wants to receive the player’s release clause, estimated at around 500 million euros, to allow his departure.
Álvarez’s chances of leaving Atlético Madrid have become more difficult after the Rojiblancos announced today that Alexander Sørloth is injured and suffering from a muscle strain.
Atlético Madrid confirmed in an official statement that Sørloth will train individually, and the date of his return to group training will be determined based on his recovery.
Mundo Deportivo reported that Sørloth will definitely miss Atlético Madrid’s first La Liga match of the new season against Málaga on August 19.
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There is currently no available striker for Simeone other than Álvarez, while the latter returned to Atlético Madrid’s group training today, and the coach considers the player an essential part of the team for the new season.
Simeone relied on Álvarez in Atlético Madrid’s training sessions as part of an attacking duo with Thomas Lemar, while another plan was formed that included Ademola Lookman and Lee Kang-in as another attacking duo.
The newspaper added that Simeone is also considering relying on his son, Giuliano Simeone, in the center-forward position against Málaga, while the Argentine coach will largely settle on the team’s lineup against Málaga during the friendly match scheduled for next Friday against Olympique Marseille.
Mundo Deportivo explained that Álvarez arrived at Atlético Madrid’s training session this morning before leaving at eleven o’clock, without knowing whether he spoke with Simeone as expected or not regarding his future.
It added that Álvarez appeared somewhat isolated today and only spoke with Lemar during the minutes allocated for the media to cover what was happening in training.
Barcelona is seeking to sign a center-forward before the summer transfer window closes, as Robert Lewandowski has left for Chicago Fire, while Ferran Torres is close to moving to Paris Saint-Germain.