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Arsenal are prepared to make their move for Argentina striker Julian Alvarez as Barcelona maintain a firm position in the background.

Julian Alvarez was missing from Atletico Madrid training for the third consecutive day on Friday, adding further doubt over his future at the club.

Reports in Spain indicate that although Alvarez has still not rejoined Diego Simeone's squad, he could return to the training ground on Friday.

If that happens, Alvarez will train separately from his team-mates. It is expected that he will play no role in Atletico's LaLiga trip to Sevilla on Saturday.

The Argentine is still desperate to push through a transfer to Barcelona, but Atletico's uncompromising stance of refusing to sell to a direct rival remains unchanged.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico,” Gil Marin said on Thursday.

“To compete among the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one of them. If he believes that staying at Atletico is no longer possible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

With the transfer window shutting on Tuesday night, there is very little time left for the situation to be resolved.

Arsenal are continuing to work on a deal behind the scenes, and it is understood Atletico could be willing to sell to the Gunners if the price is right.

However, Alvarez has not yet given Arsenal the green signal, and the wait for encouragement from his representatives is continuing.

“Julian is really struggling,” Gil Martin said. “There have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I’m very sorry about that.

“I know him and we’ve been working with him for some time. He’s a great professional and footballer, but he’s very confused and going through a very difficult period, both personally and professionally.”