Julian Alvarez has been strongly linked to a transfer away from Atletico Madrid, with Arsenal and Barcelona as potential suitors
Atletico Madrid present has sent a clear message to any Julian Alvarez transfer suitors(Image: (Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has hit out at the Spanish media over speculation linking Julian Alvarez with a move away from the club. Arsenal are among a host of sides to have emerged as an interested party with Barcelona as another club linked.
Ahead of the two clubs’ La Liga clash on Saturday evening, Cerezo delivered an unequivocal message to the assembled press. He said: “You are crossing the line a little with Alvarez. He’s an Atletico Madrid player and has a long contract with the club.”
Barcelona went on to claim victory in that encounter, with Robert Lewandowski – the very player Alvarez would be expected to replace should he make the switch – netting a late winner from the bench. Marcus Rashford had earlier levelled after Giuliano Simeone’s opener.
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Alvarez did not make it off the bench for the fixture, with Atleti’s attentions firmly fixed on the Champions League, as they now trail leaders Barcelona by 19 points. A quarter-final showdown between the two Spanish giants is set to unfold over the coming weeks, with Alvarez seemingly being kept fresh for Wednesday’s first leg at Camp Nou.
It has been another prolific campaign for the Argentine, who currently boasts 17 goals from 44 appearances. He notched 29 in his debut season under Diego Simeone, and matching that tally remains within reach with Atletico still having a maximum of 15 matches left to play.
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Arsenal’s interest comes as little surprise, given sporting director Andrea Berta was likely instrumental in negotiating his £82million transfer from Manchester City. Despite Viktor Gyokeres finding the net in the FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Southampton, Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal were once again laid bare.
Arteta’s side have now endured back-to-back damaging cup exits, with a crucial run of fixtures looming that could well shape their entire season. A Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Sporting CP comes first, followed by a Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium the following weekend.
A few days later, the Gunners remain in north London for the second leg against the Portuguese side, before a potentially decisive title race showdown against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.
Should Arsenal progress past Sporting, a Champions League semi-final awaits against either Barcelona or Alvarez’s Atletico Madrid. The latter netted three times in the previous round against Tottenham, yet was kept remarkably quiet when facing the Gunners in the group stages, with Arteta’s men running out convincing 4-0 winners.
Barcelona’s defensive frailties would also make Arsenal firm favourites for a potential semi-final against Hansi Flick’s side, despite their contrasting fortunes in attack, with Newcastle having been thrashed 7-2 in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
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