Atletico Madrid have reportedly agreed deal for Jonathan David, though the move is not expected to have any impact on Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico have struck an agreement with Juventus to sign David.
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Furthermore, it has been reported that the Canada international will join the LaLiga side on a loan deal, which includes the option to buy at the end of the season.
Given David’s profile - capable of operating anywhere across the front three - suggestions that he is a replacement for Alvarez have emerged.
However, Spanish publication Marca have shut that down by stating that David is seen as a asset to raise the level of a Atletico’s attack that will include Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth.
The report also states that ‘barring any last-minute unexpected changes’ Alvarez will still be an Atletico player after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
This development is likely to serve as a blow to Arsenal as the 26-year-old has been a dream signing for Mikel Arteta all summer, but the Gunners boss was told by the Argentine that he does not want to return to England.
“At the time of reporting, there is a low chance that Julian Alvarez comes to Arsenal,” The Athletic’s David Ornstein told TNT Sports.
“Atletico Madrid would do a deal with Arsenal. Arsenal are prepared to reach a club-to-club agreement, but they would want the player to want to join them.”
“Alvarez has shown no indication of wanting to join at this point. He’s spoken to Mikel Arteta and said that he doesn’t want to come.
“That could change, these situations are always movable, so I don’t want to say it won’t happen, but right now, it’s not developing.”
In a further twist, while Alvarez was absent from training last week and missed Atletico’s 3-1 win over Sevilla, he rejoined the group on Sunday and could feature against Athletic Club on September 5.
Atletico sporting director Matheu Alemany said: "He trained yesterday, and we hope he recovers quickly and is ready for the upcoming La Liga match.”
