Arsenal sent powerful Julian Alvarez statement after star confirms transfer plan

Julian Alvarez has stated he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer to fulfil his dream, with Arsenal and Manchester United among the clubs interested

Atletico Madrid star Alex Baena is desperate for Julian Alvarez to remain at the club this summer despite a disappointing campaign. Spain international Baena said he would chain his team-mate down if it were up to him, yet acknowledged the forward's desire to move on could ultimately prove decisive.

Alvarez, who joined Atleti from Manchester City in 2024, has notched 49 goals in 106 appearances for the Spanish side. However, Diego Simeone's men could only finish fourth last term, and the frustrating campaign prompted speculation over an exit even before the player announced a desire to depart.

The Argentina international has attracted considerable interest, with Arsenal among those in the hunt for his signature. Manchester United are now also in the mix, but Baena hasn't given up hope.

"I'm not happy with my season either, but I'm keen to stay," the Spaniard told COPE. "I'm where I want to be, and I'm in love with Atleti."

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When quizzed on what he'd do should Alvarez push for an exit, he added: 'I'd chain him down. ' Though he conceded: 'If he wants to pursue his dream, well, what can we do about it?

Baena would rather Alvarez snubbed a switch to a direct rival, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both big admirers but neither expected to get an easy ride. The forward is currently representing Argentina at the World Cup but has already laid the groundwork for a summer departure.

"I spoke with the people at [Atletico] I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream," the former City star said. "It's ‌not the time ‌to talk about this, but I also can't ‌hide it. I try to be an honest person."

After strong Arsenal links, Manchester United have reportedly established contact with his representatives regarding a possible transfer. United have funds available following their Champions League qualification and have generated close to £40million from selling Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, while they could potentially also offload Marcus Rashford before the window shuts.

Alvarez, who cost Atleti £82million when he arrived from City, has an eye-watering £431m release clause written into his existing contract. That hasn't silenced the speculation, though Diego Simeone's side ridiculed neighbours Real Madrid after a transfer approach on the eve of the World Cup.

Real Madrid released a statement confirming a £129m offer had been rejected, with Atleti directing their rivals towards the player's release clause. Atleti's own response, however, was considerably less restrained.

"Official statement with our clarifications regarding the official statement from our neighbours @realmadrid: 1. They cut out the part of the Pope's video where he said he was an Atleti fan too," the reply began.

"2. You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything. 3. We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. 4. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than @FCBarcelona_es does."