Arsenal have signaled a clear interest in acquiring Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but they will have to contend with rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona for his signature, according to Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Simeone confirmed the speculation during his pre‑match press conference ahead of the Champions League semi‑final first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium. When asked whether the rumors linking Alvarez with the Gunners were true, the Argentine manager replied, "I can't read Julian's mind, but it is perfectly normal that a player of his calibre attracts attention from Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona.
He is an outstanding talent, so it makes sense that all those clubs are keen." Alvarez has been a prolific figure for Atletico since his £82 million transfer from Manchester City, netting 48 goals in 104 appearances. His previous stint in England saw him win back‑to‑back Premier League titles and play a part in City’s historic treble in the 2022/23 season. The 26‑year‑old also lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, adding an international trophy to his résumé. The Arsenal sporting director, Andrea Berta, was the man who negotiated Alvarez’s move from the Etihad to Madrid, which means the Gunners have a familiar face involved in any potential deal.
However, Atletico have made it clear they are not eager to part with their Argentine star. Even if Alvarez expressed a desire to leave, the club has placed a valuation of around £130 million on him, reflecting his importance to the team’s ambitions.
Alvarez has missed Atletico’s two most recent league fixtures due to a minor knock, but the manager expects him to be fit for the showdown with Arsenal. The English side, meanwhile, bolstered their attacking options last summer by signing Viktor Gyökeres, who became their leading scorer with 18 goals before a knee injury forced his replacement by Kai Havertz. Havertz, in turn, suffered a setback against Newcastle, leaving Arsenal with a relatively thin forward line as they look ahead to the summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal intend to be active in the upcoming market, targeting a forward, a central midfielder and a full‑back to strengthen the squad. While the club would love to add a player of Alvarez’s quality, Atletico’s stance is firm; they are determined to keep the Argentina international as they chase their first Champions League trophy. Simeone emphasized that the Spanish side is motivated to win the competition for the first time in its history, having reached the semi‑final stage for the fourth time under his tenure. A source close to the transfer saga suggested that if Alvarez were to depart, his personal preference might lean towards Barcelona, though other insiders in Spain argue that a move this summer is unlikely and that the player may not have a clear favourite destination at all.
Both clubs approach the semi‑final with high stakes. Simeone reflected on Atletico’s resurgence, noting, "It is extraordinary that we are back in the Champions League semi‑final after nine years, and it is the fourth time in fourteen years.
The excitement among our fans is contagious and gives us a huge boost." He added that the pressure feels more like excitement than anxiety: "I don’t feel pressure, I feel the thrill of being so close to a historic achievement. We have never won this competition, and that makes every moment special.
Leadership will decide these games, and we must be ready to impose our style and punish any mistakes. It will be a tough match against a fantastic opponent, and we are eager for it." Arsenal previously beat Atletico 4‑0 at the Emirates Stadium during the group stage in October, a result that has left Simeone wary of the English side’s dead‑ball proficiency. He warned, "They have a very well‑rehearsed set‑piece strategy, and we must be prepared for that." Atletico captain Koke, whose contract expires at the end of the season, echoed the manager’s enthusiasm. He said, "Before games like this we get butterflies, it feels like a first date.
Once the warm‑up starts the nerves settle and it becomes just football. We expect a strong Arsenal side, and we will treat this semi‑final with the respect it deserves." In summary, while Arsenal’s interest in Julian Alvarez is genuine and backed by a sporting director familiar with the player’s background, the Spanish club’s high valuation and determination to retain him make any immediate transfer unlikely. Both teams now turn their focus to the Champions League semi‑final, where the outcome could shape their summer plans and future ambitions.