Simeone Sends Strong Message To Arsenal, Barcelona Over Julian Alvarez
Simeone Sends Strong Message to Arsenal, Barcelona Over Julian Alvarez Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has made it clear that Julian Alvarez is not for sale, delivering a firm message to Arsenal and Barcelona amid growing interest in the Argentine forward.
The future of Alvarez has become one of the major transfer stories of the summer, with both Arsenal and Barcelona reportedly monitoring the striker. However, Simeone insists Atletico Madrid have no intention of allowing their star forward to leave during the current transfer window. Simeone was unequivocal when asked about Alvarez’s future, insisting that the club’s position has not changed. The Atletico boss believes the situation is straightforward: Alvarez remains an important part of his plans and the Spanish club does not want to sell him. “The situation is very clear,” Simeone said, reinforcing Atletico’s determination to keep the Argentina international. The comments will come as a blow to clubs hoping to secure the forward before the transfer window closes. Barcelona have emerged as one of the clubs most strongly linked with Alvarez.
The Catalan giants have reportedly made a substantial offer for the player, but Atletico rejected the approach and remain opposed to a transfer. Reports indicate Barcelona could return with an improved proposal as they continue to pursue the Argentine. The situation has already caused tension between the two clubs, with Atletico previously filing a complaint to FIFA over allegations that Barcelona had approached Alvarez without Atletico’s permission.
Barcelona, however, have not completely abandoned their interest.
Arsenal are another major club monitoring Alvarez’s situation.
The Gunners are believed to be looking for attacking reinforcements and have identified the Atletico forward as one of their preferred targets. Arsenal’s interest has intensified following their failure to land Vinicius Junior, who has committed his future to Real Madrid. Reports suggest Alvarez is now among the alternatives being considered by Mikel Arteta’s side. Despite Arsenal’s interest, Simeone’s latest comments suggest the Premier League club would have to overcome a major obstacle if it wants to sign the forward. Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal reported to be worth up to €95 million. He has since established himself as one of the club’s most important attacking players. During the 2025/26 campaign, he scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across competitions, underlining his importance to Simeone’s team.
Atletico’s position is therefore understandable: the club sees Alvarez as a key player rather than someone it is actively looking to sell.
The Madrid side also has little incentive to weaken its squad unless a transfer offer is considered impossible to refuse. Although Simeone has publicly insisted that Alvarez will stay, the player’s own position could still become an important factor in determining what happens next. Reports have suggested that Alvarez has been open to the possibility of leaving Atletico and has been linked particularly strongly with Barcelona.
