Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that the club intends to keep hold of Julian Alvarez, dismissing speculation linking the Argentine forward with a transfer to Arsenal and Barcelona.
Alvarez will miss the opening match of La Liga against Malaga, sparking fresh rumours regarding a potential move away. However, Simeone clarified that the striker's absence is due to a lack of physical fitness following his participation in the World Cup:
If the owner of the club speaks so directly, there are no doubts left. His position is perfectly clear. We need to take care of Julian and get him back to optimal fitness.
He won’t play in the first match. He needs a bit more training. Julian is our best attacking player, and my opinion hasn’t changed. We are building a team around him, considering his strength, quality, and talent.
Previously, Atletico's CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, stated that the club would not sell Alvarez even for a staggering €200 million offer.
