Diego Simeone believes it’s logical that Arsenal want to sign Julian Alvarez, but he insists the forward is a key player for Atletico Madrid.
Last month, reports linked Arsenal with a potential summer move for Julian Alvarez, and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has suggested he’s not surprised to see the Gunners and some other top European clubs linked with their star striker.
“It’s logical. I can’t imagine it any other way,” Simeone said (via Atletico Universe). “Of course every top club wants him—Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… all of them. And for us, for Atlético fans, it should be a point of pride that everyone wants him.
“Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we need to protect him. We have to make sure he feels happy. And how will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all need to give 110%. Not just for him, of course—for everyone.
“He is 25 years old, an extraordinary player—hungry, humble, hardworking, a goal-scorer, and full of class.”
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City last summer, moving for an initial €75m with a further €20m due in potential add-ons. So if he’s to move on again in 2025, you’d think it would be for a similar fee.
The 25-year-old is yet to enter his peak years and is coming off the back of a 29-goal season with Atletico, including seven goals in 10 Champions League appearances this campaign.
Alvarez also has Premier League experience from his time with City, so there’s pretty much no reason to suggest he’d come cheap.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta will know Alvarez well, having signed him for Atletico last year. Perhaps that’s the one area Arsenal have an edge in a potential pursuit.
But with Simeone making it clear how highly he rates Alvarez, it’s difficult to see the player leaving at all.