Simeone confirms Alvarez transfer 'decision' amid Arsenal interest

Diego Simeone has reiterated that Arsenal target Julian Alvarez is not for sale after Atletico Madrid crushed his 'dream' of a transfer. Alvarez, 26, made headlines during the World Cup when he revealed his desire to leave Atletico this summer.

The former Manchester City star has since been the subject of bids from both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico turned them down and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin stated that the only way in which Alvarez can be sold is if a club pays his extravagant €500million (£428m) release clause.

Now, Simeone has reminded the likes of Arsenal of his club's stance. "The situation is very clear," the Argentine told a press conference while on the club's pre-season tour of Asia.

"The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian.

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"From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."

Alvarez is due to return to training with Atletico next week, having been given extra time off after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final. It was early in the tournament that the forward confirmed that he wanted to leave, having communicated as such to the Atletico board.

"I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream," Alvarez explained. "It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide ⁠it. I try to ⁠be an honest person."

Arsenal have long admired the 26-year-old and are in the market for a forward after missing out on Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. It's even been reported that the Gunners would be willing to include £64m signing Viktor Gyokeres in a swap deal for Alvarez, who joined Atletico from City in 2024 for £82m.

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Atletico will drive a hard bargain, though, even filing a complaint to FIFA accusing Barcelona of tapping Alvarez up. "We don't want to transfer him," Gil Marin declared earlier this summer.

"We didn't accept the €100m offer, nor will we accept one for €150m or €200m. 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."

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