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."
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid has been linked with Liverpool
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid has been linked with Liverpool (Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Liverpool could cash in on Darwin Nunez this summer, three years after signing the Uruguayan from Benfica. And as well as Saudi Arabia clubs, Atletico Madrid has been mentioned as a possible destination.
While talks are ongoing for the Reds to snap up Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, adding another number nine to the roster should not be out of the question.
In addition to there being doubts over Nunez's future, Diogo Jota was inconsistent last season. Bringing in another striker could elevate the Liverpool forward line to another level, adding even more goals to Arne Slot's already-strong attack.
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Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, however, 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.
It would appear likely that Alvarez will stay in the Spanish capital for at least another season. In the event that he becomes available, though, Liverpool should be interested.
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 Slot.