Chelsea joins the race for Julián Álvarez and has the key to convincing Atlético Madrid With the transfer window closing in just a few days, the English club has entered the race for the Argentina international and has an important bargaining chip to reach an agreement. A new contender has entered the transfer saga. Chelsea have joined the race for Julián Álvarez and are hoping to sign the Argentine after Atlético Madrid decided to listen to offers following the massive backlash Álvarez received during the team's latest match against Villarreal in LaLiga's second round. The London club has joined the list of teams interested in the Argentina international in recent days, and the key their executives have to reach an agreement with Atlético is Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, who is on Atlético's radar but is not a priority for manager Xavi Alonso. According to journalist Nicolò Schira, talks between the two clubs began Thursday, when Atlético Madrid opened negotiations for Jackson, who is also wanted by Aston Villa. From there, Chelsea began exploring the possibility of signing Álvarez. The massive booing Álvarez received from Atlético fans — he was booed before the match and again when he came on in the second half — has changed the situation heading into the final days of the transfer window. Despite the club's previous stance on the matter, the Argentine's future is now uncertain. What remains clear is that Barcelona are not considered an option for a potential sale, according to European media reports. The question now is whether Álvarez stays at Atlético or returns to the Premier League, which could be his potential escape route amid the current tension. Arsenal, Atlético Madrid's other option for selling Julián Álvarez Following what happened Sunday at the Metropolitano, Atlético's hierarchy began considering alternatives amid the dispute that emerged during the offseason and is willing to reopen negotiations with Arsenal, one of the first clubs to show interest in the Argentine. In this context, the Madrid club would reportedly accept an offer in the region of €150 million, a figure that could begin to tempt Álvarez given his inability to move to Barcelona.   submitted by   /u/IndividualPleasant23 [link]   [comments]