Diego Simeone has delivered his clearest indication yet that Julián Álvarez will remain at Atlético Madrid, dealing another significant blow to Arsenal’s hopes of signing the Argentina international.
Álvarez has remained on Mikel Arteta’s radar throughout the summer, with Arsenal previously holding discussions over a potential move. Barcelona have pushed even harder for the 26-year-old, but Atlético have repeatedly resisted attempts to prise one of their most important players away.
Simeone has now reinforced that position while speaking to the media in Seoul ahead of Atlético’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City.
“The situation is very clear. The club have made a decision,” Simeone said.
GOAL carries Simeone’s full update on Álvarez’s future, with the Atlético manager making clear that he expects to continue working with the forward this season.
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone says Julian Alvarez is not for sale. 🚫
Alvarez has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/IdnexZQNcp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 9, 2026
Simeone went on to explain that Atlético are happy with Álvarez and intend to help him continue developing after two seasons in Madrid.
That stance creates an obvious problem for Arsenal. The Gunners have explored the possibility of signing Álvarez during a summer in which Arteta has continued to seek another elite attacking option.
Atlético are in a particularly strong negotiating position because Álvarez remains under contract until 2030. GOAL reports that the Spanish club have already rejected €100million from Barcelona and €150m from Real Madrid, while his release clause stands at an unrealistic €500m.
For Arsenal, the issue has always been convincing Atlético to negotiate at a workable price.
Simeone’s latest comments suggest there has been little movement on that front.
Arsenal’s search elsewhere is already continuing. ReadArsenal reported on Saturday that the club have revived their interest in Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz as Andrea Berta assesses the remaining attacking options before the window closes.
Álvarez would offer something different because of his ability to play through the middle or around another striker. His Premier League experience from Manchester City would also reduce much of the adaptation risk attached to such an expensive signing.
Arsenal’s interest has been genuine. Sky Sports reported in July that the Gunners remained keen after talks between the clubs had reached ownership level, despite Álvarez preferring Barcelona.
Atlético have never appeared enthusiastic about selling him.
Simeone has now made their position even harder to misinterpret. Unless the Spanish club dramatically change course before the window closes, Arsenal may have to accept that one of Arteta’s most ambitious attacking targets is staying in Madrid.
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