Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez recently refused to confirm whether he'll be an Atletico Madrid player come the start of next season
15:20, 13 Mar 2026
Diego Simeone
View 2 Images
Diego Simeone has been speaking about Julian Alvarez's Atletico Madrid future
Diego Simeone has revealed he has no issue with Julian Alvarez's recent comments in which the striker refused to rule out a summer transfer away from Atletico Madrid.
Former Manchester City forward Alvarez was pushed on his future after netting twice in the Champions League against Tottenham on Tuesday evening.
When asked whether he could provide any assurances that he'd be staying put beyond the summer, Alvarez replied: “I don’t know, I don’t know, but maybe yes, maybe no. You never know. But I’m very happy here. You ask me a question that will end up all over the place, but I’m happy.
"I’m thinking about the day-to-day, I’m working to improve, to give my best here, I never said anything bad about the club, I’m very grateful, the people also showed me their affection, so I’m very happy."
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Simeone has now been asked about Alvarez's claims and he said ahead of his side's local matchup against Getafe on Saturday: "We won the other day and the question is whether Julian might leave or stay.
"Julian made the right comments. He’s giving us a lot. I tell our people that we’re doing well. I said we would compete, and we are competing."
Alvarez's Atletico Madrid contract is due to run until the summer of 2030. Arsenal and Barcelona are among the Argentinian's admirers, though Chelsea have also been credited with an interest.
He is now up to 16 goals and seven assists in all competitions this term and it goes without saying that Atletico do not want to sell.
Julian Alvarez
View 2 Images
Julian Alvarez scored twice against Tottenham for Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening(Image: Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
However, there's a feeling from those close to the player that Alvarez could switch clubs at the end of the season even though it's a World Cup year.
Joan Laporta, who wants to be re-elected as Barcelona's president, would like to bring Alvarez to Catalonia and he has already used the player as a key driving force during his campaign.
Article continues below
Alvarez cost Atletico Madrid up to £82million including extras in August 2024 when he decided to depart Manchester City due to his lack of regular starts at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool were interested in the forward at the time but City had no intention of selling to a direct Premier League rival.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts