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Arsenal appear to have missed out on Julian Alvarez, with the forward returning to training at Atletico Madrid after deciding to stay with the Spanish club.
According to Goal, the Gunners' pursuit of Alvarez has come to an end following reported visa issues affecting his family ahead of a potential move back to England. The situation is understood to have complicated any attempt to complete a deal, leaving Arsenal without one of their attacking targets as the transfer window reaches its closing stages.
Alvarez had been linked with a switch to the Premier League side, but his return to Atletico training is being viewed as a clear indication that he will remain where he is. The decision brings an end to speculation over his immediate future and leaves Arsenal to assess other options if they still intend to strengthen their forward line.
For Atletico, the development provides clarity at an important point in the campaign. Having Alvarez back with the group allows the club to move forward without the uncertainty of a possible late departure. His presence in training also suggests that the matter has been settled for now, with the player focused on continuing in Madrid.
Arsenal, meanwhile, must move on quickly. The north London club had been monitoring a potential return to England for the attacker, but the reported family visa complications proved significant enough to halt the move. With Alvarez now back in Atletico colours on the training pitch, any hopes of a late Arsenal breakthrough appear to be over.
Unless circumstances change unexpectedly, the forward is set to stay at Atletico, leaving Arsenal's search for attacking reinforcements to continue elsewhere.
Written by Ketan Patel
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