Julian Alvarez has spoken directly to Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone to reiterate his request to leave the Spanish club this summer.
The 26-year-old Argentina forward, who publicly declared his desire for a transfer during the World Cup, is being tracked by Premier League champions Arsenal, LaLiga champions Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Alvarez spoke with Simeone for approximately 10 minutes at Atletico's Cerro del Espino training complex ahead of Wednesday's pre-season session. According to reports, the striker reiterated his desire to depart during the conversation.
In response, Simeone is said to have restated the position he outlined publicly last week, maintaining that Atletico Madrid are planning for Alvarez to remain at the club.
Atletico Madrid transfer stance and valuation
Although reports suggest Barcelona are Alvarez's preferred destination, Atletico Madrid have remained steadfast in their position that the forward is not for sale.
Chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said last month that the club would not entertain any offers for the striker, even in the region of £170m (€200 million). Alvarez has a £428m (€500m) release clause, and Atletico have already rejected a £129m (€150m) bid from Real Madrid.
Simeone restated the stance he took publicly last week regarding Alvarez's future at the club. "The situation is very clear, the club made a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well," Simeone said. "We are very happy with Julian. From a sporting perspective, we will help him to continue growing, to continue improving, and to give us back what he has given us in these two years, which was a great deal."
Julian Alvarez career stats and background
Alvarez, who is nicknamed La Arana, or "The Spider", because of his Spider-Man celebration, joined Atletico Madrid in an £81.5m deal in 2024 from Manchester City.
The former Manchester City player recorded 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions last season. His 10 Champions League goals left him behind only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane in the scoring charts.
Alvarez was also part of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
Back in April, Simeone acknowledged the widespread interest in the striker, saying: "I am not in Julian Alvarez's head. I suppose it is normal that an extraordinary player like Julian is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It's normal because he's very good."
Alvarez publicly declared his desire to leave Atletico while representing Argentina at this summer's World Cup. "I try to be an honest person," Alvarez said. "I spoke with the people at Atletico Madrid, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfill my dream."
Arsenal interest and transfer plans
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted there are "very few players" in world football capable of immediately improving his starting XI, but insists the Gunners are still trying to make another marquee signing this summer.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Vinicius Jr before he signed a new contract with Real Madrid. However, the Premier League champions have already secured the signing of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for £75m.
Arteta addressed the club's transfer business following Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Como on Wednesday. "I think for the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring that to the club," Arteta said.
"Every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that," Arteta added. "We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn't just depend on you. We are very clear on that."
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid dispute
With more than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, there is still plenty of time for the situation to develop, while Arsenal may also benefit from Atletico's strained relationship with their LaLiga rivals.
One example of the friction between the clubs came in June after Atletico rejected Real Madrid's £129m offer for Alvarez.
Real Madrid released a statement saying: "Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez. After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's release clause."
Atletico Madrid quoted the statement on X alongside a series of laughing emojis.
In a follow-up post, Atletico added: "You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything. We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona does."
In a final swipe, Atletico posted: "P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let's see if you stop 'stealing' players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!"
