Diego Simeone says it is ‘logical’ that clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool will be interested in signing ‘extraordinary’ Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
It was reported last month that Arsenal and Liverpool were admirers of Alvarez, who enjoyed a brilliant first season at Atletico after leaving Manchester City last summer.
Eyebrows were raised when Atletico spent over £80m to sign Alvarez, who was mainly a bit-part player at the Etihad Stadium and played a support role behind superstar striker Erling Haaland.
But Alvarez has justified his big-money move to Madrid, scoring 29 goals during his first season at Atletico and providing a further five assists.
For much of the campaign Atletico Madrid were challenging for the La Liga title and had aspirations of winning the Champions League but Simeone’s side fell away in the second-half of the season.
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Alvarez is believed to be settled and loving his time at the club but could push to leave if he feels his ambitions of winning major trophies cannot be fulfilled.
Arsenal and Liverpool, both keen to sign a new striker, are open to bringing Alvarez back to the Premier League and Simeone is not surprised by the interest in the Argentine.
Asked about speculation linking Alvarez with a summer move, Simeone told La Nacion: ‘It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario.
‘Julian is 25-years-old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with status.
‘How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… the best have to want him.
Why did Man City sell Julian Alvarez?
‘It was a joy to work with him. I learnt a lot from him and hopefully he can find what he was looking for.
‘He believes his period here must be over so both clubs arrive to an agreement.
‘He’s incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but like I said many times for many players, he wants to leave and have a new challenge.’
Pep Guardiola speaking after Julian Alvarez left Manchester City
‘And for us, Atletico fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him.
‘Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we have to take care of him. We have to help him feel happy.
‘How will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all have to give 110 per cent. And not just for him, of course, but for everyone.’
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo issued a hands-off warning to Arsenal and Liverpool after they were linked with moves for Alvarez.
‘Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player,’ the 77-year-old, who has held the role since 2003, told Marca.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to finally welcome an elite goalscorer to the Emirates Stadium and has also expressed interest in Viktor Gyokeres, of Sporting Lisbon, and Benjamin Sesko, of RB Leipzig.
Arne Slot is in a similar position at Liverpool and is interested in adding Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike to his Premier League title-winning squad.
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