Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has revealed that he is not surprised that Arsenal are interested in ‘extraordinary’ player this summer
Diego Simeone
Image credit: Getty Images
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has acknowledged growing transfer interest in Julian Alvarez, describing it as “logical” amid reported moves from Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool.
Alvarez, 25, enjoyed a sensational debut season in Spain after completing an £80 million transfer from Manchester City last summer. Despite arriving with questions over his starting pedigree, having largely played second fiddle to Erling Haaland at the Etihad, the Argentine has quickly silenced any doubts. He scored 29 goals and provided five assists in all competitions, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Simeone’s attacking setup.
Arsenal and Liverpool are both in the market for a prolific striker this summer, and Alvarez’s form has placed him firmly on their radar. Though Alvarez is said to be enjoying life in Madrid, reports suggest he may consider a move if he feels Atletico cannot match his ambitions of competing consistently for top honours.
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Speaking to La Nacion about the mounting speculation, Simeone was unsurprised by the admiration for his star forward.
“It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario,” Simeone said. “Julian is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with status.
Julián Álvarez (Image credit: Getty Images)
“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 percent—not just for him, of course, but for everyone.”
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Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo also addressed the rumours, issuing a firm stance amid links to the Premier League. “Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player,” Cerezo told Marca.
Alvarez’s potential departure would be a major blow for Atletico, especially after the club’s strong first half of the season in which they looked like genuine La Liga and Champions League contenders before fading late in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains focused on bolstering his attack ahead of next season. In addition to Alvarez, the Gunners are reportedly monitoring Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, as the North London side looks to add a world-class finisher to lead their title charge.