Julian Alvarez has reportedly declined to answer a phone call from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as he seeks to avoid a return to the Premier League. Atletico Madrid are keen to sell the unsettled striker to raise funds for new signings, while Barcelona are biding their time in the hope that a domestic agreement can be worked out.

Alvarez has reached a crucial point in his transfer situation as the summer window moves towards its final stages. The Argentina international currently finds himself stuck at Atletico, with uncertainty surrounding his immediate future. Although Arsenal have emerged as one of the main clubs interested in him, Alvarez is said to be firmly against going back to the Premier League. That position has created a significant problem for the Spanish club, who are eager to move the striker on.

Los Rojiblancos need to bring in money to finance incoming transfers and are also determined not to keep an unhappy player in the squad. However, their preferred outcome of securing a high-value transfer to England is presently running into serious difficulty.

The extent of Alvarez's unwillingness to join Arsenal has been underlined by striking reports from Spain. The former Manchester City forward is said to be unwilling even to open talks with the Gunners. Speaking on El Chiringuito, Josep Pedrerol described how far the player is allegedly going.

"They tell me that the other day, Julian Alvarez did not want to answer Mikel Arteta's phone call," Pedrerol said. "Arteta called Julian and he didn't pick up because Julian Alvarez does not want to return to the Premier League, and Atletico need him to go to the Premier League because they don't want an unhappy player and need money to sign."

With the Premier League option blocked for now, Barcelona are keeping a close watch on developments. The Catalan club are reportedly waiting for Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin to put pride aside and approve a transfer within Spain. The situation has already created friction between the two rival clubs. Pedrerol pointed out that Barcelona have been surprised by the recent comments from Atletico president Enrique Cerezo, who does not usually take a public position but has strongly criticised Barca during this saga.

Pedrerol added: "Atletico needs him to move there. They don't want an unhappy player on the roster and they need the funds for new signings. Atletico is in a difficult spot, and Barcelona is hoping Gil Marín will eventually swallow his pride and allow Julián to join Barca, as it is the only real option available.

"Barca has been very surprised to see Enrique Cerezo get involved in the fray. Cerezo usually avoids taking a stand, yet he has been openly criticizing Barca in several statements - an attitude that has caught the club off guard. If the club's best interests were the priority, he would be sold."

Time is running out quickly for Atletico Madrid to sort out this complicated transfer issue. As the deadline draws nearer, the club's negotiating position is weakening considerably.

Los Rojiblancos must now decide whether they are prepared to compromise and hold talks with a direct rival. If no deal is reached with Barcelona and no unexpected buyer emerges, Diego Simeone will be left with the difficult challenge of bringing a deeply unhappy player back into his squad.