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Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has responded to reports linking Julian Alvarez with a summer move to Arsenal, acknowledging the Gunners are among the elite clubs monitoring the Argentine striker.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against the Premier League leaders, Simeone admitted it was “normal” for his star striker to be a target for Europe’s top teams.
Simeone confirms Alvarez is a wanted man
Speaking ahead of the first leg at the Metropolitano, Simeone was asked directly about reports that Arsenal are considering a summer move for Alvarez.
The striker, who joined Atlético from Manchester City in 2024, has become one of European football’s stars after scoring 48 goals in 104 games for the Spanish side. Simeone openly admitted that the player’s caliber made him a target for the biggest clubs in the world.
“I guess it’s normal. He’s an extraordinary player,” Simeone told reporters. “There is interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and other teams. But that doesn’t worry us.”
Managing £87 million in assets
Arsenal reportedly view Alvarez as the clinical finisher needed to make them a dominant force on the domestic and European stages.
However, Atlético have previously indicated they have no desire to sell, with the player valued at around £87million by the Spanish side.
Additionally, Alvarez would also prefer to stay in Spain, either at Atlético or another La Liga club, rather than return to England – with Barcelona reportedly being the Spanish team most interested in his services.
Focus on European glory
As transfer talk dominated headlines, Simeone decided to refocus his team on chasing the Champions League trophy.
Having reached the final in 2014 and 2016, the Argentine coach is eager to finally clinch the title which narrowly eluded him.
However, he warned that past heartaches do not entitle the club to future success.
“No one owes us anything; we have to work hard and hope that luck is on our side,” he added.
“There is no pressure, there is responsibility. The excitement of being close to a huge goal, which the club has never achieved. We have to prepare to play; ultimately the players decide based on their experience, their personality and their work ethic. We want to play the game we envision and take it to where we can hurt them.
“It’s extraordinary to play another semi-final. After nine years, the fourth time in 14. It’s wonderful. Incredible. This faith, this enthusiasm, this contagious energy of the public is wonderful. We face a tough opponent, good at set pieces, and we go there with all our hopes.”
Final preparations for the Metropolitano
Alvarez is expected to feature in the clash despite missing Atletico’s last two domestic matches due to a minor injury. His presence will be vital to Simeone’s attacking plan against an Arsenal defense that has been consistently solid in England this season.
