Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has taken the bold move of speaking publicly about transfer interest surrounding Julian Alvarez. The Argentinian ace has been making headlines with potential moves on the horizon, and both Arsenal and Liverpool have shown interest.
After switching Manchester City for Atletico in a £82million transfer last summer, Alvarez made an immediate impact. His impressive haul of 29 goals across various competitions has sparked talk of a summer switch as Arsenal and Liverpool hunt for more firepower next season.
But far from concerned, Simeone takes the rumours as high praise for Alvarez's remarkable talent. Expecting interest from footballing giants including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Simeone spoke openly about Premier League interest to La Nacion: "It's logical, I can't imagine any other scenario.
"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's boss, Simeone, is steadfast in keeping star player Alvarez at the club. Atletico president Enrique Cerezo echoes this sentiment.
"Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player," Cerezo said this week. He had already pledged to keep Alvarez at the club in May.
"Julian Alvarez is a player of Atletico de Madrid. 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."
Alvarez himself has settled into life at Atletico well, following the conclusion of his first season of his six-year contract . Expressing his gratitude and connection to the club and its supporters at the end of the 2024/25 season, he shared his feelings online.
"The first season at home is coming to an end," he posted. "Thank you for always being there and for making me feel like I belong from day one."