Arsenal target Julian Alvarez dropped by Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone speaks out
- Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has confirmed that striker Julian Alvarez will miss his side’s La Liga season opener against Malaga amid ongoing transfer speculation linking the Argentine with a move to Barcelona.
- The 26-year-old forward, who transferred to Atletico from Manchester City for €75 million (£63 million) in 2024, has publicly expressed his desire to join Barcelona in order to fulfil a personal dream.
- Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin firmly stated that the club would reject transfer offers reaching up to €200 million (£171 million) for the player, a definitive stance fully supported by Simeone.
- Simeone emphasised that Alvarez is the best player in the squad and that the team will be built around him, though he expects him to return for Sunday’s home match against Villarreal once his match fitness improves.
- Arsenal have also been linked with a potential move for the Argentine international to aid their Premier League title defence, but Alvarez prefers a transfer to Barcelona while Atletico remain adamant he is not for sale.
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