Atletico Madrid Not Willing to Sell Alvarez Despite Barcelona Interest

Diego Simeone has made it clear that Julian Alvarez is staying at Atletico Madrid, despite Barcelona’s efforts to sign the Argentine forward this summer. The Atletico boss confirmed on Saturday that the club has no plans to sell him during the current transfer window.

Atletico had already complained to FIFA last month, accusing Barcelona of approaching Alvarez without the club’s permission.

The Argentina forward has also attracted interest from Premier League champions Arsenal. Real Madrid were also keen on signing him and had a $173.4 million bid rejected by Atletico in June.

"I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that (CEO) Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) has explained very well," said Diego Simeone while talking to the reporters.

"From a sporting perspective, we're very happy to have a footballer like Julian. We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best, which has been a tremendous amount, that he has given us over the last two years." added Diego Simeone.

Julian Alvarez is set to return to Atletico Madrid training in two days after taking some time off following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.

During the World Cup, the Argentine forward hinted that leaving Atletico could be the right move, although he did not disclose which club he would prefer to join.

"We don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million," said Gil Marin while talking to the club's in-house media channel.

"I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him." added Gil Marin.

When asked how Atletico supporters might react to Alvarez after all the transfer talk, Simeone brought up the example of Antoine Griezmann.

The French forward had previously left Atletico for Barcelona in a big-money deal before making his way back to the Madrid club.

"We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch," said Diego Simeone.

"I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him (Alvarez), just as we have done over the last few years." added Diego Simeone.