Julian Alvarez comes out, hints at desire to leave Atletico Madrid – Barcelona and Arsenal both tracking Argentina star
Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal and says he wants to move this summer (Image: Maja Hitij – FIFA via Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid’s president admitted he was surprised by Julián Álvarez’s declaration that he wanted to leave the club, but still insisted he was not for sale.
The Argentine proved to be one of the team’s main players during his two years in the Spanish capital. However, his quality has caught the attention of both Barcelona and Arsenal, who are in the market for more firepower.
Atlético spent £81.5m to sign Alvarez from Manchester City and would be loath to see him leave, even if the player himself appears to want to leave the Wanda Metropolitano.
Arsenal faced Alvarez in the Champions League semi-finals and are still in need of a talented striker, while Barcelona have been swamped by Alvarez’s magic and play him every week in La Liga. Robert Lewandowski has just left the club and they need a replacement, but Alvarez seems keen to make a move.
He recently told ESPN, “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about this, but I also can’t hide it or pretend it’s not.”
“I try to be an honest person. I have spoken to the people at the club who I needed to speak to. The best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to realize my dream.”
Atlético themselves are in a very advantageous position, as the striker’s contract runs until 2030, with a release clause of €500m (£431m).
President Enrique Cerezo told Spanish radio station RNE: “We were surprised, but we did what we had to do. We told them that he is an Atlético Madrid player and there is no offer from anyone. Even if there was an offer, we would not want to sell him.”
Atlético Madrid coach Enrique Cerezo has no interest in selling the Argentine player
Alvarez made 106 appearances for Spain, scoring a total of 49 goals and providing 17 assists, but he ultimately failed to challenge Barcelona for the title last season, losing in the Copa del Rey final. Alvarez’s departure will ultimately be a huge blow, but Diego Simeone insists such speculation is normal.
“I’m not in Julian’s head,” he said a few months ago, but added: “I understand that it’s normal for an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez to be wanted by Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona.” He’s a very nice person, so that’s normal.”
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