Julián Álvarez missed another Atlético Madrid training session on Friday due to reported illness amid transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona. The Argentina international also sat out Wednesday and Thursday sessions and will miss Saturday's La Liga match at Sevilla. Atlético stated earlier this week there is a "zero percent chance" of Álvarez joining Barcelona, calling themselves "victims" who have been "damaged financially and socially." Barcelona president Joan Laporta reiterated the club's interest in signing the 26-year-old forward. Álvarez, who scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for the Rojiblancos last season, made his first appearance of the campaign as a substitute in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Villarreal, where he was whistled by fans at the Metropolitano stadium before leaving the field alone as teammates applauded.

The transfer window closes soon as speculation continues.