Atletico Madrid insist Julian Alvarez is not for sale amid Arsenal interest
Atletico Madrid have insisted Julian Alvarez is not for sale despite the striker publicly requesting a transfer amid heavy interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Argentine recently stated during a television interview that a departure would be the best outcome for all parties as he looks to fulfil his ambitions.
However, the Spanish club’s president Enrique Cerezo has firmly dismissed the possibility of an impending exit.
“It caught us by surprise and we have done what we had to do. We’ve said that he is an Atletico de Madrid player and that we have no offers from anyone.”
Cerezo stressed that even if formal bids were tabled for the 24-year-old, the club hierarchy simply do not want to sanction a sale.
Release clause complicates potential exit
The former Manchester City forward is tied to a lengthy contract at the Wanda Metropolitano that runs until 2030.
Any potential suitor would also need to navigate a staggering €500m (£431m) release clause to bypass negotiations with the Madrid side.
Arsenal are actively seeking a prolific centre-forward and recently faced the South American in the Champions League semi-finals.
Barcelona are similarly tracking the versatile attacker as they search for a long-term replacement following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.
Simeone unfazed by mounting speculation
Alvarez has been a revelation since completing an £81.5m switch to the Spanish capital two years ago.
The World Cup winner has registered 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 appearances across all competitions.
Despite this impressive individual return, his side were unable to mount a serious title challenge last season and suffered a bitter defeat in the Copa del Rey final.
Manager Diego Simeone remains unsurprised by the intense transfer speculation surrounding his prized asset.
“I understand that it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s so good.”