Simone insists on keeping Alvarez

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone confirmed on Saturday his commitment to retaining his compatriot, international striker Julian Alvarez, and his refusal to allow the player to leave during the current transfer window, despite interest from Barcelona.

Last month, Atletico filed a complaint with the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) against Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of attempting to contact Alvarez illegally.

Alvarez’s name has also been linked with a potential move to Arsenal, the English Premier League champions, while Atletico rejected a €150 million ($173.4 million) offer from Real Madrid in June.

Speaking to journalists on the eve of a pre-season friendly against English side Manchester City in Seoul, Simeone said, “I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision, which CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin explained very well.”

He added, “Sportingly, we are very happy to have a player like Julian... We will help him continue to develop, improve, and keep delivering his best, as he has already given us a lot over the past two years.”

Alvarez is scheduled to join Atletico’s training sessions in two days. The 26-year-old, who participated in the World Cup, said, “I think a move would be best for everyone,” without confirming his preferred destination. Alvarez has scored 49 goals for Atletico since joining from Manchester City two years ago.

Gil Marin told club media, “We do not want to sell him. We did not accept an offer of €100 million, and we will not accept offers of €150 million or €200 million,” adding, “I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian, and that Julian is the right spearhead for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him.”