Arsenal have signaled a keen interest in acquiring Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but they will have to contend with rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, according to Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Simeone made the comments during a pre‑match press conference ahead of the Champions League semi‑final first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium, where his side will meet the Gunners on Wednesday.
When asked about the circulating rumours linking Alvarez with the north London club, Simeone replied, "I'm not inside Julian Alvarez's head," before adding, "It is perfectly natural that a player of his calibre attracts attention from Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona. He is an outstanding talent, and clubs of that stature will naturally want him." His measured response underscored the reality that Alvarez is one of the most sought‑after forwards in Europe at the moment.
Alvarez arrived at Atletico from Manchester City for a reported £82 million fee and has since found the net 48 times in 104 appearances. His record includes two Premier League crowns and a historic treble in the 2022/23 season while he was still in England. The 26‑year‑old Argentine also lifted the World Cup with his national side in Qatar in 2022, adding an international pedigree to his club achievements. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who negotiated Alvarez’s move from the Etihad to the Metropolitano, is well aware of the player's qualities.
Berta’s familiarity with the striker could make a potential deal smoother, yet Simeone has made it clear that Atletico are not eager to let the Argentine go. Even if Alvarez expressed a desire to leave, the Spanish club has placed a valuation of around £130 million on him, a figure that reflects both his on‑field impact and his marketability.
Despite a minor injury that kept him out of Atletico’s two most recent fixtures, Alvarez is expected to be fit for the semi‑final clash with Arsenal. His absence had been brief, and the manager expects the forward to return to the starting eleven, providing a potent threat up front.
Arsenal, on their side, have bolstered their attacking options this summer by signing Viktor Gyokeres, who was the club’s top scorer with 18 goals before being dropped for Kai Havertz. Havertz, however, suffered an injury against Newcastle, leaving the Gunners still searching for a reliable goal‑scoring outlet.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal intend to be active in the upcoming transfer window, targeting a forward, a central midfielder and a full‑back to strengthen the squad. While the Gunners are eager to add a player of Alvarez’s calibre, sources close to the situation suggest that, should a move materialise, the Argentine might favour a switch to Barcelona. Other insiders, however, argue that Alvarez has not expressed a firm preference, especially given the slim chances of a summer transfer at this stage. Both clubs are aware that the semi‑final offers a chance to write history.
For Atletico, it would be their fourth appearance in a Champions League semi‑final under Simeone and the first time they have reached this stage in nine years. Simeone reflected on the achievement, saying, "It is extraordinary that Atletico Madrid is back in the Champions League semi‑final after nine years, and it is the fourth time in fourteen years.
The excitement among our supporters is contagious and will give us a huge boost." He continued, "I do not feel pressure, only excitement. We have never reached this point before, and that makes it special. Leadership defines games like this, and we must be ready to impose our style and punish our opponents where we can. It will be a tough match against a fantastic rival, and we are very excited about it." Simeone also reminded everyone of Atletico’s 4‑0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium during the league phase in October, noting that the English side’s proficiency from set‑pieces remains a concern.
"We will face a strong opponent with a well‑drilled dead‑ball strategy," he warned, "but we will approach the game with enthusiasm and confidence." The Argentine captain Koke, whose contract expires at the end of the season, echoed the sentiment of anticipation. "Before these games we always feel butterflies in our stomachs – it’s like a first date. Once the warm‑up is over, the nerves settle and it becomes just a football match.
We expect a very strong Arsenal side, and we will treat this as any other semi‑final – with full concentration and determination," he said. In summary, Julian Alvarez stands at the centre of a transfer tug‑of‑war involving three of Europe’s elite clubs. While Arsenal have shown genuine interest and have a direct connection through Andrea Berta, Paris Saint‑Germain and Barcelona also loom as potential destinations. Atletico Madrid, however, appear determined to keep the Argentine in Madrid, valuing him at a premium and hoping his focus remains on securing the Champions League trophy and, subsequently, another World Cup triumph with Argentina.
The upcoming semi‑final will not only test the teams’ tactical acumen but also possibly shape Alvarez’s future, as the outcome could influence the intensity of the transfer negotiations in the months ahead.