Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone has made it clear that the club will not part ways with forward Julian Alvarez during the current transfer window. This announcement comes in light of significant interest from FC Barcelona, as well as speculation linking the Argentina international to Premier League champions Arsenal. Simeone addressed the media on Saturday ahead of a pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, emphasizing the club's stance on Alvarez.
Last month, Atletico Madrid lodged a complaint with FIFA, alleging that Barcelona had engaged in inappropriate discussions regarding Alvarez. The situation has intensified with Real Madrid reportedly making a staggering 150-million-euro ($173.4 million) bid for the player back in June, which was promptly rejected. Simeone remarked, "I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that (CEO) Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) has explained very well." He further expressed satisfaction with having Alvarez on the team, stating, "From a sporting perspective, we’re very happy to have a footballer like Julian... We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best -- which has been a tremendous amount -- that he has given us over the last two years."
Alvarez, who is set to rejoin Atletico's squad shortly after a break following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, has been a key player for the club since his arrival from Manchester City two years ago. During his time at Atletico, he has netted 49 goals, solidifying his position as an essential member of the squad. While on international duty, Alvarez had hinted at a desire for a transfer, stating that he believed it could be beneficial for all parties involved, though he did not disclose any preferred destinations.
CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin reinforced the club's commitment to keeping Alvarez, stating, "We don’t want to transfer him. We didn’t accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him." This firm stance reflects Atletico's determination to maintain their squad's integrity as they prepare for the upcoming La Liga season.
When questioned about how Alvarez might be received by the Atletico fanbase given the recent transfer rumors, Simeone drew parallels to the situation involving Antoine Griezmann. Griezmann, who made a high-profile move to Barcelona before returning to Atletico, faced initial backlash but ultimately won the fans back and left the club as a legend. Simeone remarked, "We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch. I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him (Alvarez), just as we have done over the last few years."
Atletico Madrid is set to kick off their La Liga campaign on August 19 with a home match against newly-promoted Malaga. After finishing fourth last season, 25 points behind champions Barcelona, the club is eager to make a stronger push for the title this year, with Alvarez expected to play a pivotal role in their ambitions.
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