Simeone rules out Julian Alvarez exit amid Barcelona interest

Atletico Madrid have no intention of allowing Julian Alvarez to leave the club during the current transfer window, head coach Diego Simeone has insisted.

The Argentina international has attracted significant interest this summer, with Barcelona among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.

Last month, Atletico Madrid lodged a complaint with FIFA over allegations that Barcelona had made an improper approach to Alvarez.

The 26-year-old has also been linked with Arsenal, while Real Madrid reportedly saw a €150 million ($173.4m) offer rejected for the forward in June.

Speaking ahead of Atletico’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, Simeone reiterated that Alvarez remains firmly part of his plans.

“I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that (CEO) Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) has explained very well,” Simeone told reporters.

“From a sporting perspective, we’re very happy to have a footballer like Julian.

“We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best — which has been a tremendous amount — that he has given us over the last two years.”

Atletico determined to keep Alvarez

Alvarez is expected to return to the Atletico squad in two days after being given time off following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

During his time on international duty, the striker admitted that he believed a transfer could be the best option for everyone, although he stopped short of revealing where he would like to move.

Despite the speculation, Atletico have made their position clear.

Alvarez has scored 49 goals for Atletico Madrid since arriving from Manchester City two years ago, and the club are determined to retain one of their most important attacking players.

“We don’t want to transfer him. We didn’t accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million,” Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin told the club’s in-house media channel.

“I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him.”

Simeone references Griezmann situation

Simeone was also asked how Atletico supporters could react to Alvarez following the uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Argentine manager pointed to Antoine Griezmann as an example of how a player can overcome a difficult relationship with the club’s supporters.

Griezmann left Atletico for Barcelona in a high-profile transfer before eventually returning to Madrid. Although the Frenchman initially faced hostility from sections of the fanbase, he rebuilt his relationship with supporters through his performances and ultimately left the club as a legend last season.

“We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch,” Simeone said.

“I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him (Alvarez), just as we have done over the last few years.”

Atletico prepare for new La Liga season

Atletico will begin their new La Liga campaign on August 19 when they host newly promoted Malaga.

Simeone’s side finished fourth last season, ending the campaign 25 points behind champions Barcelona.

With Alvarez expected to remain at the Metropolitano, Atletico will hope the Argentine forward can once again play a central role as they look to close the gap on the teams above them and challenge for major honours.