Diego Simeone has emphasized that Atlético Madrid‘s stance on Julián Álvarez remains unchanged, despite interest from Barcelona and the player’s aspiration to depart the club.
Álvarez, 26, expressed to ESPN during the World Cup that a transfer this summer would be the “best outcome” for both him and Atlético. Meanwhile, Barça president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the Spanish champions have made a bid for the Argentina forward.
However, Atlético’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has stated that the club intends to keep Álvarez, a sentiment echoed by Simeone on Saturday.
“The situation is very clear,” Simeone said in a press conference. “The club has made a decision that Miguel Ángel explained well.”
“We are very pleased with Julián. On a sporting level, we will support him in his growth and improvement so that he can provide us with what he has delivered over the last two years, which has been remarkable.”
Álvarez is set to return to Atlético training next week following a brief break after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final.
This comes amidst ongoing speculation about his future, as Barça looks to sign him as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who has transferred to Chicago Fire.
Barcelona’s interest could intensify in the coming days, particularly with Ferran Torres signaling his desire to move to European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG has also expressed prior interest in Álvarez, along with Arsenal and Real Madrid, the latter of whom reportedly had a €150 million bid for the forward turned down in June.
– Ferran Torres has informed Barcelona of his desire to join PSG – sources
– Sources indicate Liverpool is poised to sign Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo on loan
– Man City has rejected Barcelona’s initial €50 million offer for Rodri – sources
According to sources, Barça’s bid was around €100 million, which Atlético did not consider at the time it was made.
Atlético has filed a complaint with FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] regarding Barcelona’s pursuit of Álvarez, alleging they approached the player illegally without permission.
Gil Marín suggested that Barcelona’s actions influenced Álvarez’s public statement to ESPN in June, where he expressed a desire to leave Atlético to “fulfil a dream,” although he did not directly mention Barça.