Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has promised to do everything possible to make Julian Alvarez feel valued at the club, despite growing uncertainty over the striker’s future amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal.
Simeone confirmed that Alvarez will miss Atletico’s La Liga clash against Sevilla on Saturday after missing a third consecutive training session. The Argentine boss said the forward is currently not in good health, but left the door open for a reconciliation when he returns to training.
“From the moment he returns to training, I will do everything I can to make him feel important,” Simeone said.
Alvarez has reportedly been pushing for a move to Barcelona, but Atletico have made their position clear that they will not allow the 26-year-old to leave for the Catalan giants. With that route appearing increasingly difficult, Arsenal have emerged as the striker’s most realistic escape route.
Atletico have publicly reiterated their stance twice this week, insisting Alvarez will remain at the club. Simeone also stressed that he remains focused on helping the forward rediscover his importance to the team.
“I’m still in the same position, hoping, from a sporting point of view, to be able to help him in the best way so that he continues to be the very important player he is for us,” Simeone added.
The uncertainty comes at a difficult time for Atletico, who will also be without injured striker Alexander Sorloth against Sevilla. Simeone admitted Sorloth’s absence becomes even more significant with Alvarez unavailable.
Despite the transfer speculation, Simeone insists the situation has not affected the rest of his squad, saying his players are working well and remain focused on the new campaign.
With Atletico refusing to sell Alvarez to Barcelona and Arsenal potentially the only club capable of taking him away, the coming days could prove decisive for the Argentine forward.
Will Julian Alvarez return to Atletico Madrid with his future still unresolved, or will Arsenal finally make the move that ends the transfer saga?
