Diego Simeone sends Julian Alvarez transfer message to Liverpool and Arsenal

Diego Simeone has responded to transfer interest in Atletico Madrid star player Julian Alvarez as Arsenal and Liverpool head up a number of parties interested in the former Manchester City ace

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has embraced transfer speculation over star forward Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international has been linked with moves away from the Spanish capital and the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been credited with interest.

Alvarez, 25, joined Atletico from Manchester City in an £82million deal last summer and hit the ground running. The forward netted 29 goals in all competitions after swapping the Premier League for La Liga.

Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be considering approaches for Alvarez in the summer transfer window as they both go in search of increased firepower. But Simeone is only taking such suggestions as the ultimate compliment for one of his star players.

The former midfielder is not surprised to see the English sides joined by the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in being speculated upon as potential next clubs for Alvarez, ad simply believes this side must deliver success to keep the forward at the club. Simeone told La Nacion : "It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario.

"Julian is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with status.

"How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… the best have to want him. And for us, Atletico fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours.

"And since he’s ours, we have to take care of him. We have to help him feel happy. How will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all have to give 110 per cent. And not just for him, of course, but for everyone."

Simeone is right to have confidence in retaining Alvarez's services. Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has consistently said the forward will remain in Spain's capital.

“Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will be an Atletico Madrid player,” he told Marca last week. That comment followed a declaration of intent in May.

"Julian Alvarez is a player of Atletico de Madrid," he said. "He's very happy here, he is our player and he will remain our player. He was raised at Atletico Madrid and he will die at Atletico Madrid."

For his part, Alvarez appears settled after completing the first year of his six-year deal. The World Cup winner underlined his love and affection for the club and their fans towards the end of 2024/25.

He said on social media: "The first season at home is coming to an end. Thank you for always being there and for making me feel like I belong from day one."