Atletico Madrid's president Enrique Cerezo has firmly stated that Julian Alvarez will stay put this summer amid significant interest from Premier League clubs for the ex-Manchester City forward.
Alvarez, 25, had a remarkable first season with the Spanish heavyweights, netting 29 times in all competitions following his £80million move from the Premier League to La Liga. His impressive stint at the Etihad Stadium, where he vied for minutes with Erling Haaland, has naturally sparked talks of a return to England.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with the Argentine ahead of the upcoming transfer window as both sides look to bolster their attacking options.
Yet, Cerezo has revealed that Atletico do not plan to part ways with their Argentine sensation just a year after making a significant investment to secure his services in Madrid, reports the Mirror. "Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player," Cerezo declared to Marca on Monday evening.
Whether Arsenal or Liverpool will challenge Atletico's resolve with a formal bid for Alvarez remains to be seen, although it's understood that both clubs have alternative striker targets in mind. Last month, the same outlet highlighted the interest from these two English clubs, labelling Arsenal as the 'strongest bidders'. The north London club are eager to land a new No.9 with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko also linked.
However, it's been suggested that Alvarez himself has 'reservations' about a Premier League return, despite his successful stint at Manchester City, where his departure sparked mixed reactions.
If Alvarez proves unattainable, Arsenal's quest for a new forward could pivot towards Gyokeres and Sesko. Both have been on the Gunners' radar for some time and appear set to depart their current clubs this summer.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are reportedly eyeing Eintracht Frankfurt's coveted striker, Hugo Ekitike. However, they may face stiff competition from Chelsea, who are also keen on the 22-year-old Frenchman, notwithstanding their impending acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.