Alvarez splits from agent as Arsenal interest lingers

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Julian Alvarez's future at Atletico Madrid remains clouded in uncertainty, with reports in Spain claiming the striker has split from his agent Fernando Hidalgo following a turbulent summer. Arsenal, who monitored his situation closely during the transfer window, will be watching developments with interest.

Arsenal were reportedly prepared to pay more than £100million to sign the Argentina international over the summer, but Alvarez appeared set on only one destination: Barcelona. Atletico blocked any move to their La Liga rivals, leaving the forward to stay in Madrid despite reportedly wanting out.

The fallout has been visible on the pitch. Alvarez has yet to score this season and has not started a league game, while also being booed by sections of his own supporters. There had been hope from Arsenal's side that the frosty reception might prompt a rethink, but no such reversal materialised.

New representation, same questions

According to reports in Spain, Alvarez has now ended his relationship with Hidalgo and is expected to appoint new representation soon. The move is said to be rooted in his frustration at how his future was handled during the summer saga.

Alvarez is reportedly seeking discretion and calm as he tries to rediscover his best form at the Wanda Metropolitano. The split is understood to have been welcomed internally at Atletico, with some at the club reportedly feeling the 26-year-old was poorly advised throughout the transfer process.

Any route back to a Barcelona move still looks complicated. The Catalan club's financial situation, Atletico's reluctance to sell to a domestic rival, and reported interest from Atletico in Alvarez's compatriot Lautaro Martinez all cloud the picture heading into January.

Madueke link adds intrigue

There is a separate thread that could work in Arsenal's favour. The Telegraph reported earlier this month that Atletico have shown interest in signing Arsenal forward Noni Madueke, with Juventus also keeping tabs on his situation. Madueke has made just five appearances for Arsenal this season, with only two coming in the Premier League and a total of 23 minutes played in the competition.

Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea last year in a £48.5million deal and scored nine goals in 48 appearances across his debut campaign. Should Atletico's interest in the winger develop into a concrete approach, it could give Arsenal added leverage in any future negotiations over Alvarez, though nothing suggests a deal is imminent on either front.

With the January window still some way off, Arsenal will likely continue monitoring Alvarez's situation from a distance as he looks to settle his future and his form at Atletico.