Julian Alvarez 'not even travelling' with Atletico as Arsenal transfer saga takes new twist

Julian Alvarez was linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, but the Gunners were unfortunately unable to get a deal over the line

Julian Alvarez is not travelling with Atletico Madrid as the La Liga mainstays take on Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.

However, the Spanish side were quick to specify that the reason behind the centre-forward's absence is owing to an injury, as opposed to fallout through a prolonged summer transfer saga with Arsenal.

Having released their squad for the fixture, which will play out at the Reale Arena at 8pm, Atleti wrote on social media: " Julian will not travel to San Sebastián due to a muscle overload that led to his withdrawal from yesterday's training session.

"After conducting the relevant tests, the medical services have ruled out his participation in today's match."

It came after Fabrizio Romano reported: "Julian Alvarez, out for Atlético Madrid today and not even travelling with the squad."

It comes as Alvarez has endured a disruptive return to La Liga action, following a protracted transfer saga split across Barcelona and Arsenal over the past couple of months.

Arsenal made it clear that they were looking to secure the 26-year-old as a statement of intent, as they look to defend the Premier League title they clinched in May.

While Barca also set out their own intentions of securing the Argentine, the Gunners were handed a major boost in their pursuit when Atleti refused to sell Alvarez to their domestic rivals.

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Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Mikel Arteta and the board were unable to get a deal over the line for the centre-forward, starting the season with Kai Havertz as their main attacking output.

That turn of events has ultimately paid dividends for the club, who have enjoyed a perfect start to 2026/27 with four wins from four matches.

Alvarez, meanwhile, has seen a difficult start to the season in the Spanish capital.

Not only was the Calchin-born talent dropped from Diego Simeone's squad for their seasonal opener with Malaga last month, but he was relentlessly booed by his own fans as he made a second-half cameo against Villarreal the following week.

While he was deployed from the outset against Liverpool in a 2-1 Champions League loss midweek, Alvarez now faces a potential period on the sidelines dependent on the extent of his injury.

It means that Ademola Lookman and Kang-in Lee will potentially lead the line for the Mattress Makers during Sunday's match against Sociedad, while Alvarez will watch from the wings.