Arsenal have set their sights on Atletico Madrid’s prolific striker Julian Alvarez, but they will have to contend with rival interest from Paris Saint‑Germain and Barcelona, according to Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Simeone made the comment during his pre‑match press conference ahead of the Champions League semi‑final first leg at the Metropolitano, where his side will host the Gunners. When asked whether the rumors linking Alvarez to the north London club were true, Simeone replied, “I’m not inside Julian Alvarez’s head, but it’s perfectly natural that a player of his calibre attracts attention from Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona.
He’s an outstanding talent, so the interest is understandable.” Alvarez arrived in Madrid for a reported £82 million fee from Manchester City, where he helped the English side clinch back‑to‑back Premier League titles and contributed to their historic 2022‑23 treble. Since joining Atletico, the 26‑year‑old Argentine has found the net 48 times in 104 appearances, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards. His performances have not gone unnoticed by Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who was instrumental in securing Alvarez’s move from the Etihad Stadium three seasons ago. The Argentine also boasts a World Cup winners’ medal, having been part of Argentina’s victorious squad at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Although a minor injury has kept him out of Atletico’s last two league fixtures, Simeone expects Alvarez to be fit for the crucial semi‑final showdown against Arsenal. Arsenal’s own attacking options have been in flux. Last summer they signed Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who led the team’s scoring charts with 18 goals before a hamstring issue forced his replacement by Kai Havertz. Havertz, in turn, suffered an injury against Newcastle, leaving the Gunners with a lingering question mark in the final third.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal intend to be active in the upcoming summer window, targeting a new forward, a central midfielder and a full‑back to bolster a squad that fell short of its ambitions this season. Atletico, meanwhile, are reluctant to part with their star forward.
Even if Alvarez were to submit a transfer request, the club has reportedly set a valuation of around £130 million. Simeone stressed that his primary focus remains on winning the Champions League, a trophy that has eluded the club despite numerous deep runs. He added that Alvarez’s personal ambition is to lift the European crown with Atletico before turning his attention to the next World Cup campaign with Argentina. Sources close to the player suggest that, should a move materialise, Barcelona might be his preferred destination, given the Catalan side’s recent resurgence and their historic connection with Argentine talent.
However, other insiders in Spain argue that Alvarez may not have a definitive preference at this stage, especially given the slim odds of a summer transfer. Both clubs enter Wednesday’s encounter with a shared hunger for glory. Simeone highlighted that this will be Atletico’s fourth Champions League semi‑final in the past 14 years and the first in nine years, underscoring the significance of the occasion for the club and its supporters.
He praised the atmosphere surrounding the team, saying, “The excitement and belief that our fans transmit to us are invaluable. I don’t feel pressure; I feel exhilaration. We have never reached this stage before, and that makes it special.” He also warned that Arsenal’s set‑piece proficiency could pose a serious threat.
Atletico suffered a 4‑0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium during the league phase in October, and Simeone remains wary of the Gunners’ dead‑ball routines. “We know they have a very well‑drilled set‑piece strategy,” he noted. “We will have to be disciplined and ready to counter‑attack when the opportunity arises.” Atletico captain Koke, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, echoed the manager’s enthusiasm. “In the days leading up to a big game we get butterflies,” he said.
“It feels like a first date – the nerves disappear once the match starts, and it’s just football. We expect a strong Arsenal side, and we will treat this semi‑final with the seriousness it deserves.” The broader context of the tie is also noteworthy.
Both teams are chasing their first Champions League title in decades; Atletico have never won the competition, while Arsenal’s last European triumph came in 1994. The semi‑final therefore carries historic weight for both clubs and their supporters. In summary, Julian Alvarez remains a coveted asset on the transfer market, with Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona all expressing interest.
Nevertheless, Atletico Madrid have set a steep price tag and are determined to keep their star forward for the remainder of the season, focusing on a Champions League final that could cement Simeone’s legacy. Whether the Gunners will be able to secure Alvarez’s services next summer remains to be seen, but for now the Argentine’s priorities lie with helping Atletico overcome Arsenal in what promises to be a tightly contested semi‑final clash.