Diego Simeone has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash.
The Atletico boss addressed the growing speculation as questions continue to surround the player’s future.
Arsenal have tracked Alvarez for a long time. They considered a move last summer but instead signed Viktor Gyokeres. However, their interest in the Argentine has not gone away.
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 in a deal worth up to €95 million. He still has four years left on his contract, which puts Atletico in control of the situation.
The forward has delivered strong numbers since his arrival, scoring 48 goals in 104 appearances for the club. Despite that, transfer rumours have continued to emerge.
Recently, his agent Fernando Hidalgo dismissed links to Barcelona. He called the reports “1000 per cent false” and “complete nonsense”. Alvarez has also responded to the speculation. He said:
“I try not to give too much importance to what they say, because the truth is that every week new things come out, all kinds of new information.
“I try not to waste energy on that and to focus on what we’re doing here at Atleti.
“I try not to give too much importance to what’s said in the media, because it often starts becoming a snowball of lies. I can’t keep going out to clarify or deny everything that comes out all the time.”
Simeone, however, accepts that interest in the player is natural. When asked about the situation, he said (via ESPN):
“I’m not inside Julian Alvarez’s head.
“I understand it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona.
“It’s normal because he’s very good.”
It remains unclear whether Arsenal will make a move this summer. Reports in the UK have suggested Atletico Madrid could demand a fee close to the £105 million that Arsenal paid for Declan Rice.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has endured a difficult first season in north London, which could influence Arsenal’s plans.
Also, Transfer News Live revealed that Andrea Berta has held talks to sign a superstar striker as an alternative to Julian Alvarez.
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