Julian Alvarez has been at the centre of a transfer saga as he looked to engineer an exit from Atletico Madrid and a decision has been confirmed ahead of the club's match with Villarreal
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez has been linked to Arsenal(Image: Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez has been named in Atletico Madrid's squad to face Villarreal in La Liga. The Arsenal target is on the bench for the Spanish giants as they started without an out-and-out forward.
Speaking ahead of the match, Simeone confirmed that Alvarez would be in the squad after missing the win over Malaga during the week."Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow," Simeone said in his press conference.
"For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he’s with the team, I’m going to look after him."
Alvarez was pictured in Atletico training ahead of the game with Villarreal, following a tumultuous week. The Argentina star's desire to leave the club for Barcelona has irked fans and they have made their feelings clear.
Signs calling for Alvarez to leave the club were put up around the side's Majadahonda training complex. Posters said: “JULIAN FUERA” (“JULIAN OUT”) and showed the striker's No. 19 crossed out on Friday morning.
The inclusion of Alvarez in Simeone's squad would suggest some common ground has been found at the club, despite the forward's frustration over being denied a move to Barcelona. The ex-Manchester City star is said to have been in contact with Mikel Arteta over a move to the Emirates; however, he doesn't hold the same desire for that transfer.
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez returned to training(Image: Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Simeone has defended Alvarez, despite the frosty reception he continues to receive from Atletico's supporters. "I respect our fans," he said.
"I always have, but I don’t agree with insults or abuse. Every word is being scrutinised by people waiting to create conflict and uncertainty.
"There is no uncertainty. Miguel was very clear. He is our player and we need him."
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For the match against Malaga, Simeone suggest Alvarez had not been in the correct condition to play, having had an extended break following the World Cup. “We don’t believe Julián Alvarez is in the right condition to play or take part for tomorrow’s game," he said on that occasion.
“Hopefully, over these next four days, he’ll make further progress and we’ll be closer to where we want him to be”
Despite the club's determination to keep Alvarez, Atletico have been labelled as a frontrunner to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. Reports have suggested that the Senegal international has 'said yes' to the move.
football.london understands Chelsea are demanding £65 million for the striker and would prefer a direct sale to another season-long loan, but La Liga outfit Atletico would prefer to take him on loan.
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