Julian Alvarez: Diego Simeone says Arsenal are interested in signing the Atletico Madrid forward along with PSG and Barcelona | Soccer News

Arsenal are interested in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but he faces competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, ​​according to manager Diego Simeone.

Atlético Madrid’s manager confirmed his interest in a press conference ahead of the two teams’ meeting in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday.

Asked about reports linking him to the Gunners, he said: “Julian Alvarez is not on my mind.”

“It is normal for an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez to be wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

“That’s normal because he’s so good.”

Alvarez has scored 48 goals in 104 games for Atletico Madrid since joining from Manchester City for £82m, where he won back-to-back Premier League titles and was part of the 2022/23 treble.

The 26-year-old is well known to Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who oversaw his move from the Etihad Stadium to Atletico.

Alvarez, who also won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, has missed Atlético’s last two games due to a minor injury, but is expected to feature in the game against Arsenal.

The Gunners added Victor Gokeres to their front line last summer, but the former Sporting striker and top scorer with 18 goals this season was replaced by Kai Havertz before the Germany international was injured against Newcastle.

Sky Sports News understands that Arsenal plan to be active in the summer transfer window and look to add a forward, central midfielder and full-back.

Atlético’s desired price for Alvarez revealed

Atlético have no intention of selling the Argentina international and even if he wanted to leave, they value him at £130m.

Alvarez is focused on winning the Champions League with Atlético and the World Cup with his country.

Sources close to the situation have suggested that Alvarez would prefer to move to Barcelona if he leaves Atletico.

However, other sources in Spain have questioned whether there is any hope for him in the first place, given that a transfer this summer is unlikely.

Simeone aims to make history

Like Arsenal, Atlético go into Wednesday’s game looking to win the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. This is the fourth time they have reached the semi-finals under Simeone.

“If I remember correctly, it is extraordinary for Atlético Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals again for the first time in nine years and for the fourth time in 14 years,” he said.

“It’s really amazing. It’s unbelievable. And I think the faith, the excitement, the contagiousness that our people convey to us will benefit us a lot.

“In terms of pressure, I don’t feel any pressure. It’s exciting to get this close. I’ve never done it before.

“It’s a special excitement. This game is about leadership and we have to be prepared and take the game to a point where we believe we can punish them. It’s going to be a very tough game against a great rival and we’re very excited.”

Atletico lost 4-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in October, and Simeone is particularly wary of the threat of dead balls.

“We will face a tough match against a very good opponent and a set-piece strategy that worked very well,” he said. “Let’s go with excitement.

“I don’t think football owes anyone anything. Things are meant to be, things are achieved and you have to work hard and pursue it and obviously there is some luck involved.”

Atletico captain Koke, whose contract expires at the end of this season, also expressed his excitement for the match against Arsenal.

He said: “We’re always excited for these games, we feel like we have butterflies in our stomachs.

“It’s like a first date. Then you start warming up and everything goes away and it’s just a football game and it’s as exciting as the semi-finals.

“We’re expecting a very strong Arsenal team. This is a Champions League semi-final and that’s how we approach it.”