Diego Simeone has responded to transfer interest in Atletico Madrid star player Julian Alvarez as Arsenal and Liverpool head up a number of parties interested in the former Manchester City ace
Diego Simeone and Julian Alvarez
Diego Simeone is unconcerned by Julian Alvarez being linked to Arsenal and Liverpool
(Image: Manu Reino/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has embraced transfer speculation over star forward Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international has been linked with moves away from the Spanish capital and the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been credited with interest.
Alvarez, 25, joined Atletico from Manchester City in an £82million deal last summer and hit the ground running. The forward netted 29 goals in all competitions after swapping the Premier League for La Liga.
Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be considering approaches for Alvarez in the summer transfer window as they both go in search of increased firepower. But Simeone is only taking such suggestions as the ultimate compliment for one of his star players.
The former midfielder is not surprised to see the English sides joined by the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in being speculated upon as potential next clubs for Alvarez, ad simply believes this side must deliver success to keep the forward at the club. Simeone told La Nacion : "It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario.
READ MORE: Man Utd set INCREASED Alejandro Garnacho asking price as five clubs eye unwanted star
"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.
Julian Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez is on Arsenal's radar for a potential new striker signing(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
"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."
Simeone is right to have confidence in retaining Alvarez's services. Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has consistently said the forward will remain in Spain's capital.
“Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player,” he told Marca last week. That comment followed a declaration of intent in May.
Julian Alvarez centre-forward of Atletico de Madrid and Argentina celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 8, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez had a strong first season(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"Julian Alvarez is a player of Atletico de Madrid," he said. "He's very happy here, he is our player and he will remain our player. He was raised at Atletico Madrid and he will die at Atletico Madrid."
For his part, Alvarez appears settled after completing the first year of his six-year deal. The World Cup winner underlined his love and affection for the club and their fans towards the end of 2024/25.
He said on social media: "The first season at home is coming to an end. Thank you for always being there and for making me feel like I belong from day one."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.