Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was linked with moves to both Arsenal and Barcelona during the recent summer transfer window
Diego Simeone talks to Julian Alvarez
Diego Simeone talks to Julian Alvarez(Image: (Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
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Diego Simeone praised Julian Alvarez’s behaviour as he continues to work his way back into the fold at Atletico Madrid. Arsenal pursued a deal for the forward during the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looked to add some attacking reinforcements to his squad.
The Argentine also missed a number of training sessions in the final week of the window as he tried to force through a move to Barcelona. However, Atletico stood firm in their refusal to sell the forward, and he has now worked his way back into contention with Simeone.
Alvarez came off the bench at half-time as his side beat Alaves at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on Saturday.#
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And speaking after the game, Simeone said: "I thought Julian [Alvarez] looked good today. He came on with enthusiasm, eager to do well and help the team. He finished the match well."
Ahead of the game, Simeone had said: "I see him in good shape, enthusiastic, and he has the desire to give everything he has, as he always does. When he is in good shape, he gives us a different dimension in attack."
Atletico have enjoyed a solid start to the season, but they still find themselves five points behind leaders Barcelona in the table after eight games.
The Spanish giants also issued two public statements insisting they will not sell Alvarez to Barca during the summer transfer window.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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The club’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, also said in August: "Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico.
"To compete among the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”
Gil Marin continued: "The truth is that it outrages us even more. We are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances.
"I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances; you have my word – which is one of the few things I have – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”