Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has responded to Liverpool and Arsenal being interested in his star striker Julian Alvarez, admitting that it's "logical" that big teams are taking a look at the Argentine.
The Premier League duo have been linked with moves for Alvarez a year on from him moving to Spain from Manchester City. Atletico Madrid spent $110 million (£82 million) to sign the 25-year-old last summer.
"It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario," Simeone told La Nacion when he was asked about interest in Alvarez. "Julian is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with status.
"How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… the best have to want him. And for us, Atletico fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him.
"Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we have to take care of him. We have to help him feel happy. How will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all have to give 110 per cent. And not just for him, of course, but for everyone."
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, meanwhile, has already issued a hands-off warning to potential suitors after Liverpool and Arsenal were both linked with moves for Alvarez.
"Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player," the 77-year-old confidently stated in an interview with Marca.
Liverpool.com says: Alvarez would be brilliant for the Reds. He never stops running and he netted 29 times for Atletico Madrid in his debut season for the club. Alongside Alexander Isak, Alvarez would be a dream candidate to play number nine for Arne Slot.