Arsenal could now turn to target Julian Alvarez after missing out on Vinicius Junior, but any move is expected to be complicated.
Julian Alvarez is still on Arsenal’s radar(Image: Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reiterated that a decision has already been made regarding Julian Alvarez’s future, even as Arsenal are now believed to be stepping up their interest after Vinicius Junior chose to remain at Real Madrid. The Gunners’ pursuit of the Brazilian ended when the Los Blancos star signed a new six‑year deal at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal have been linked with Alvarez throughout the summer, but their interest now appears to have accelerated. After securing the £75million deal for Bruno Guimaraes, who is set to be the club’s fourth arrival of the window – Alvarez could become the next major target.
The Athletic recently reported that Alvarez is expected to meet Simeone to discuss his future at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, with Barcelona also monitoring the situation. However, Spanish newspaper Marca has now published fresh comments from the Argentine coach addressing Alvarez’s situation.
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“The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel Gil Marin [Atletico’s CEO] explained very well,” Simeone said.
“We are very happy with Julian, from a sporting perspective, we’re very happy to have a player like Julian, and we’ll help him continue to grow and improve.”
On Alvarez’s management, Simeone added: “We have some examples, we saw what happened with [Antoine] Griezmann, I see no other way than to work collectively as we have to and try to help as we have done these two years.”
Atleti CEO Gil Marin has previously responded to Alvarez’s claim that he informed the club of his desire to leave.
“It wasn’t the right day to make such statements; it was a day for [Lionel] Messi and the Argentine national team, not Julian,” he previously told EFE (via ESPN).
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“Julian has a dream [to sign elsewhere], but we Atletico fans have dreams, too. It is true that he has spoken to us, but it is also true that he is fully aware of our position because we have been very clear.
“Atleti do not want to transfer him. He is a great player and we are very proud that he plays for us.”
Earlier in the window, Atletico accused Barcelona of ‘harassing’ Alvarez and his representatives and even issued a formal complaint to the Spanish Football Federation over their alleged improper pursuit of the Argentina star.
“Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atletico Madrid,” Gil Marin added.
“That is why we are going to lodge a complaint with FIFA against Barca for negotiating with a player under contract during the protected period.”
It’s understood Arsenal believe Atletico will refuse to sell to Barcelona unless the Blaugrana trigger Alvarez’s eye‑watering £430m release clause.
So far this summer, Arsenal have brought in Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis, with Guimaraes also now confirmed as the next arrival. What’s clear is that Arsenal are nowhere near finished in this summer’s transfer window.
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