Arsenal pushed to sign Julian Alvarez during the transfer window but were not able to persuade the Atletico Madrid star to leave the club for London
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez was the subject of interest from Arsenal in the summer. (Image: Getty)
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has bizarrely congratulated Julian Alvarez after his Arsenal transfer snub. The Argentinian was viewed as a target for the Premier League champions after expressing a desire to leave the Spanish side.
The former Manchester City forward had been the subject of interest of Barcelona, with Alvarez setting his sights on a move to the Catalan giants. However, Atletico blocked the move to their rivals - angering the World Cup-winner. The 26-year-old faced a hostile reception from his own supporters but with the window closed and Alvarez consigned to another three months in Madrid, Simeone hopes he can move past the saga and bring success to the red half of the capital.
He said: "As far as we're concerned, he's a very decisive person, clear in his thinking. I congratulate him because sometimes ego makes us think we're in a position we shouldn't be in. We're very happy with everything he brings to the team. It's what he feels.
"He's training very well, he'll be called up tomorrow, and we expect the best from him, as from all his teammates. I always look ahead; we have a very exciting season ahead, with many challenges and talented players, and we'll take it one game at a time.
"I'm very clear about it: for me, life is full of opportunities. And Julian now has one. We often spend our time judging, and we need to worry about doing it less and learning more. I hope this has been a learning experience for him."
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez wanted to leave Atletico Madrid (Image: Getty)
Arsenal endured a tough summer window as they looked to add reinforcements to their title-winning side. Mikel Arteta's side pushed to sign a glut of players including Morgan Rogers, Eli Junior Kroupi, Bradley Barcola and Vincius Jr, however their efforts were in vain.
Atletico faced pressure to sell Alvarez but the club's officials would not offload the attacker to their rivals. Although the Argentine had his heart set on a move to Barcelona, he couldn't be persuaded to change tact and stood firm on his aspirations.
He has since returned to action, featuring in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal where he was booed by Atleti fans.