Atletico Madrid face Arsenal in the Champions League with transfer speculation continuing to surround striker Julian Alvarez after two stellar campaigns in the Spanish capital
Diego Simeone has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Julian Alvarez.
Atletico Madrid boss Simeone dropped the bombshell as he openly discussed Alvarez being a target for the Gunners on the eve of their Champions League showdown.
Arsenal are big admirers of Atletico’s Argentina striker who is rated at £120m-plus by the Spanish club. The Gunners are trailing him ahead of a potential summer as Alvarez has become one of European football’s hottest properties.
When asked whether he was concerned about Alvarez’s long term future, Simeone said: “I’m not in Julian Alvarez’s head. I suppose that’s just normal. He is an extraordinary player.
“There’s interest from Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and other teams. But there is nothing to be concerned about.”
Arsenal spent £64m on Viktor Gyokeres last summer but he has had mixed fortunes at the Emirates which may tempt them to sign another striker this summer. They might have to offload players to launch a full scale bid this summer but it certainly provides another story to Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Atletico.
Alvarez, 26, spent two years at Manchester City and has now been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League. Arsenal appear to be leading the hunt and will get their own dress rehearsal over the two legs.
Atletico will be reluctant to sell and have also resisted interest from Barcelona and seem keen to tie him down to a new contract extension.
Meanwhile, there are doubts over whether London-born Ademola Lookman will be fit to face Arsenal.
Atletico’s ex-Everton winger is a doubt because of muscle issues but Simeone said he is hoping he will be ready. He added: “His work rate has been absolutely brilliant.
“We hope he will be fit to play but we will have to wait and see. We will be ready for a tough game.”