By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Spain, 31 August 2026 - Atlético Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Juventus to sign Jonathan David on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, in a move that could have major implications for the future of Julián Álvarez.
The agreement comes after Atlético submitted a formal proposal to Juventus. The deal is structured as a loan with a purchase option, while Atlético are expected to cover more than half of David's salary. The Canadian striker has given the green light to the move.
David's arrival would give Diego Simeone another experienced attacking option after the Canadian's difficult first season at Juventus. He joined the Italian giants as a free agent from Lille but has struggled for regular opportunities under Luciano Spalletti, making a departure increasingly likely.
However, the biggest question surrounding the deal is not David himself.
What does it mean for Julián Álvarez?
Álvarez has been at the centre of a major transfer saga throughout the summer. Barcelona have repeatedly expressed interest in the Argentina international, while Arsenal have also explored a possible move. Álvarez himself previously indicated that he wanted to leave Atlético to fulfil a personal ambition.
Yet Atlético have consistently insisted that they do not want to sell him.
The club's position has been remarkably firm. Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said in July that the club had rejected a €100 million proposal and would not accept €150 million or even €200 million for Álvarez. His contract runs until 2030 and contains a €500 million release clause.
Related articles
More recently, Atlético's board publicly ruled out negotiations with Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of handling the situation improperly.
That makes David's arrival particularly interesting.
It could provide Atlético with insurance should Álvarez eventually leave, but it does not prove that an exit has been agreed. In fact, Spanish reporting has indicated that Simeone wanted an additional striker regardless of Álvarez's situation.
So, for now, David should be viewed as squad reinforcement rather than confirmation of an Álvarez departure.
Nevertheless, deadline day could change everything.
If Atlético complete David's move while simultaneously finding an acceptable solution for Álvarez, the Canadian could quickly become the replacement for one of Europe's most sought-after forwards.
David's arrival may not mean Álvarez is leaving, but it certainly makes the possibility more likely.