DIEGO SIMEONE has warned Arsenal off Julian Alvarez, calling Atletico Madrid’s stance on selling the Argentine “very clear”.
The Gunners rate Alvarez as one of their top attacking targets but Atleti are determined not to give into pressure in this window.
Diego Simeone has warned Arsenal off Julian Alvarez Credit: Getty
Alvarez said at the World Cup that he wanted to leave Atletico Credit: Getty
They rejected a whopping £130MILLION offer from Real Madrid in June – and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insists they wouldn’t even part with him for £170m.
Now, Atletico boss Simeone has delivered more bad news to Emirates chiefs.
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He said before Jattvibeday’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City: “I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that Miguel Angel has explained very well.
“From a sporting perspective, we’re very happy to have a footballer like Julian.
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“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.”
Doubling down on Gil Marin’s comments may concern Arsenal given how far the club chief stuck his neck out when discussing Alvarez’s future.
He said: “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.”
Alvarez told a different story at the World Cup, though it was not clear whether he was hinting at a move to Arsenal or another potential suitor.
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Bruno Guimaraes is Arsenal’s biggest signing of the summer so far Credit: Getty
The former City star, 26, said: “I don’t want to hide. I try to be an honest person.
“I spoke with the people at [Atletico] who I needed to speak with. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream.”
Alvarez has scored 49 goals in 106 games since joining Atletico for £81m in 2024.
Arsenal are keen on signing a star attacker before the window closes, but it will not be their most ambitious target, Vinicius Junior, after the Brazilian extended his contract with Real Madrid.
The Gunners have strengthened in defence this summer by making Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent, and out wide by spending £34m on Christos Tzolis.
But their biggest signing of the window so far was sealed on Saturday with the unveiling of £75m arrival Bruno Guimaraes.
