Arsenal target Alvarez splits with agent after Atletico 'deceived' claims

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Julian Alvarez has parted ways with Fernando Hidalgo, the agent who represented him for almost a decade, just six weeks after Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin claimed the striker had been “deceived and confused” during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal were among several clubs keen on Alvarez during that window, alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico rejected a £127million offer from city rivals Real Madrid and were adamant they would never sell to Barcelona under any circumstances.

The 26 year old missed multiple training sessions before the deadline, citing illness, and was absent from the squad for Atletico's away La Liga fixture against Sevilla. Gil Marin addressed the saga at the time in comments to Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus+.

“Julian is really struggling. There have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I'm very sorry about that,” Gil Marin said. “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 time, both personally and professionally.”

Gil Marin also made Atletico's position clear on any future sale. “If he believes that staying at Atletico is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative. But it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

Agent change fuels fresh speculation

Alvarez stayed at Atletico beyond the deadline, but it is now being reported in both Argentina and Spain that Hidalgo no longer represents him. Javier Pastore, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder who set up The Elegant Game agency last year, is linked with taking over his representation.

Pastore already works with Enzo Fernandez and was involved in negotiating his move from Chelsea to Manchester City this summer. Fernandez and Alvarez came through River Plate's academy together, left for Europe within six months of each other, and remain regulars in the Argentina squad.

Limited game time at Atletico

On the pitch, Alvarez has started just once in La Liga this season and has otherwise been used from the bench, including a substitute appearance against Alaves at the weekend. His sole start of the campaign in any competition came in the Champions League at Anfield against Liverpool, where he assisted Atletico's opening goal.

He featured far more prominently for Argentina during the international break, starting every friendly and scoring in a 7-0 win over Burkina Faso, only to return to the bench once domestic football resumed. Atletico host Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Alvarez's involvement unclear.

As reported by football.london, the agent split adds another layer of uncertainty to a situation Arsenal and other suitors will continue to monitor closely heading into the winter window.