Julian Alvarez has been strongly linked with a move from Atletico Madrid, with Arsenal and Barcelona potentially candidates
Atletico Madrid’s presence sends a clear message to Julian Alvarez’s transfer seekers (Image: (Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))
Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has slammed the Spanish media over speculation over links to Julián Álvarez’s departure. Arsenal is one of the many teams that has emerged as an interested party with Barcelona as another club.
Ahead of the two clubs’ La Liga clash on Saturday night, Cerezo gave a clear message to the assembled press. He said: “You are crossing the line a little bit with Alvarez. He is an Atletico Madrid player and has a long contract with the club.”
Barcelona won that encounter, with Robert Lewandowski, the player who would replace Alvarez in the event of his departure, scoring the winning goal after coming on as a substitute. Marcus Rashford had equalized after Giuliano Simeone’s opener.
read more: Mikel Arteta releases latest information on Gabriel’s injury as Arsenal crisis worsens – ‘It’s not good news’read more: Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal stars ‘nervous energy’, familiar problems are being called out
Alvarez was left off the bench for Atleti, who trail leaders Barcelona by 19 points, with their eyes firmly on the Champions League. The quarter-final showdown between the Spanish giants is set to unfold over the coming weeks, with Alvarez set to remain fresh for Wednesday’s first leg at Camp Nou.
It has been another prolific season for the Argentine, who currently boasts 17 goals in 44 appearances. He scored 29 goals in his debut season under manager Diego Simeone, and with Atletico still having up to 15 games remaining, he is still within reach of equaling that record.
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.
Arsenal’s interest comes as little surprise, given that sporting director Andrea Berta is likely to have been instrumental in negotiating an £82m move from Manchester City. Victor Gokeres found the back of the net in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton, but Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal were once again on display.
Arteta’s side are currently experiencing back-to-back painful cup defeats and have a crucial match that will determine the entire season looming. First up is an away Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP, followed by a Premier League game against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium the following weekend.
Arsenal must respond to recent cup defeats
A few days later, the Gunners remain in north London for the second leg against the Portuguese side, before a decisive title-chasing showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
If Arsenal defeat Sporting and advance, they will face either Barcelona or Alvarez’s Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. The latter scored three goals in the previous game against Tottenham, but was surprisingly quiet in the group stage game against the Gunners, with Arteta’s side convincingly winning 4-0.
Despite their contrasting fortunes in attack, and Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses, Arsenal will be strong favorites to take on Hansi Flick’s side in the semi-finals. Newcastle were defeated 7-2 in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
70% off Premier League kits and merchandise
Various prices
fanatic
Buy now at Fanatics
Fanatics has taken up to 70% off football kits and merchandise. Fans can find products from Premier League clubs such as Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and Spurs at discounted prices.
