Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez could leave the club this summer and Arsenal are rumoured to be an interested party
In-demand Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is reportedly uncertain about his future in the Spanish capital. The revelation comes from his team-mate Marcos Llorente and will serve as encouragement for Arsenal, who have registered an interest in the former Manchester City forward.
Alvarez, 26, is understood to have attracted attention from the Gunners as well as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain after an outstanding stint with Atletico. He could command a fee of up to £90million, with Spanish outlet Cadena SER suggesting Alvarez has signalled his desire to depart.
Llorente also admitted to El Partidazo de COPE that he remains in the dark over his colleague’s plans regarding a potential transfer and stated that “neither does he, as things stand today.” He continued: “I don’t ask him. He seems fine to me, but maybe he wants to leave and we don’t know.”
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The Argentine has netted 49 goals over two campaigns in Spain and was instrumental in Atletico’s progression to the Champions League semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Arsenal.
A report from the Guardian last week suggested that Mikel Arteta will have substantial resources at his disposal as the Gunners seek to capitalise on their first Premier League triumph in 22 years. It stated the Spanish manager has identified a new striker as his primary objective, with Alvarez amongst the options.
Arsenal will face competition for the signing, however. According to Mundo Deportivo, PSG are reportedly willing to table a bid exceeding £86m for the 26-year-old.
PSG manager Luis Enrique is even understood to have already made direct contact with Alvarez in an attempt to facilitate a transfer. Barcelona have also thrown their hat into the ring with president Joan Laporta declaring that finances are not a concern.
Diego Simeone has also been questioned about the striker’s future. His response sparked concern in Madrid regarding the player who remains under contract until 2030 and is thought to possess a remarkable release clause of approximately £433m.
“That’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Julian,” the Atletico boss said. “He’s old enough to know what he’s going to do, and I imagine he’ll have made up his mind by now.”
Prior to the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, the striker indicated he had no desire to address speculation surrounding his future.
“I try not to pay too much attention to what they say, because the truth is that new things come up every week,” he said, adding that he cannot “come out to clarify or deny everything that comes up all the time.”
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