Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Italian side Juventus for 26-year-old Canadian striker Jonathan David as a potential replacement for Julian Alvarez.
The Spanish club has accepted a formal offer worth 150 million euros from Premier League side Arsenal for Alvarez, according to reports in British media, but the forward has yet to agree to personal terms.
Arsenal have set a strict 24-hour deadline for the Argentine international to accept the move, placing the responsibility on Atletico Madrid to convince the player to join the London club.
The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alvarez, nicknamed La Araña, has escalated into a summer-long dispute between Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, and the player's representatives, whom Atletico blame for creating internal tension.
Arsenal offer accepted amid Barcelona standoff
Atletico Madrid executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and sporting director Mateu Alemany have maintained a firm stance that Alvarez will not be sold to Barcelona, a decision unanimously endorsed by the club board of directors on Thursday.
The decision comes despite growing tension inside the club following hostile reactions from supporters in the stands during last weekend's LaLiga fixture against Villarreal CF. Alvarez did not train with the squad on Thursday, marking his second consecutive day away from practice.
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta declared on Wednesday that the Catalan club has set aside approximately 130 million euros exclusively for a final bid for Alvarez. Laporta added that Barcelona will not allocate those funds to any other player before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, September 1.
While Alvarez has not yet spoken with Arsenal or agreed to terms, reports indicate that his wage expectations would not pose an issue for the Premier League side. However, Arsenal have made clear that securing the player's agreement remains solely Atletico's responsibility, with the English club prepared to pursue other options if the deadline passes.
Jonathan David emerges as replacement candidate
As the deadline approaches, Atletico Madrid have turned their attention toward securing a replacement for the departing striker. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Atletico have made contact with Juventus to inquire about the conditions required to sign David.
Although no official proposal has been submitted, the 26-year-old Canadian international is regarded as a serious candidate should Alvarez depart. David could be allowed to leave the Turin-based Italian club after completing just one season in Serie A.
The move comes after Atletico spent weeks searching for attacking reinforcements. The Spanish side previously registered strong interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, but the Senegalese striker chose to join Aston Villa instead.
David is reportedly open to joining Atletico Madrid provided that the contract terms, financial package, and sporting project meet his expectations.
