Julian Alvarez has met with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone to reiterate his desire to leave the club, seeking a transfer to "fulfill my dream." The Argentine forward, who has been linked with several major European clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, publicly expressed his wish to depart Atletico while representing Argentina in the World Cup.
Despite Barcelona reportedly being Alvarez's preferred destination, Atletico Madrid has maintained a firm stance that the player is not for sale. Club chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin stated last month that the club would not consider offers, even those approaching €200 million (£170 million). Alvarez currently has a release clause of €500 million (£428 million), and Atletico previously rejected a €150 million (£129 million) bid from Real Madrid.
Alvarez returned to pre-season training this week and reportedly spoke with Simeone for approximately ten minutes at Atletico's training complex. During this conversation, he reaffirmed his intention to leave. In response, Simeone reiterated the club's position that they are planning for Alvarez to remain at Atletico. "The situation is very clear," Simeone stated. "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."
Alvarez, who joined Atletico in 2024 from Manchester City for £81.5 million, scored 20 goals and provided nine assists across all competitions last season. His 10 Champions League goals placed him among the top scorers in the tournament.
Earlier this year, Simeone acknowledged the speculation surrounding Alvarez, noting, "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."
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that the club is still seeking to make another significant signing this summer. "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 commented after Arsenal's recent draw. He 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 has also publicly engaged in a dispute with Real Madrid over the Alvarez transfer situation, rejecting their offer and referencing their release clause. The club's social media posts included laughing emojis and a pointed remark about Real Madrid's transfer dealings with Atletico's academy players.