Diego Simeone: 'Normal' for Arsenal to be interested in Julian Alvarez

Simeone listed Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona as clubs who could be interested in Alvarez Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images Diego Simeone has said he is unsure Julian Alvarez's summer transfer window intentions but says it is understandable the Atletico Madrid forward would attract interest from a club like Arsenal. Providing examples of the sort of sides that could be interested in pursuing Alvarez, Simeone listed Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. The Argentina international joined Atletico in the summer of 2024 in a €95million (£83m; $110m) move from Manchester City. He is contracted to the Spanish club until 2030, and his deal contains a €500m (£436m; $577m) release clause. Speaking on Tuesday ahead of Atletico's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal, Simeone was asked for his reaction to reports in England crediting the Premier League club with interest in the 26-year-old, and what he thought the forward's summer plans are. "I'm not in Julian Alvarez's head and I understand that it's normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona," Simeone replied. "It's normal, because he's very good." The Athletic reported in March Alvarez is the name at the top of Barcelona sporting director Deco's transfer wish list this summer, with striker Robert Lewandowski's contract at Camp Nou expiring this summer and his future uncertain. When asked about Alvarez's links to Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta declined to comment stating that: "I don't talk about any other players." Alvarez was asked by reporters about his links to Barcelona after his side's Champions League win over Tottenham Hotspur in March. "I've nothing to say," he replied. "There's always a lot of talk -- everyone has an opinion, things can snowball. I'm happy at Atletico; we're fighting for things, going well in the Champions League and into the Copa del Rey final." Pressed to confirm he would still be at Atletico next season, Alvarez responded: "I couldn't tell you; maybe yes, maybe no, you never know. I'm very grateful to Atletico -- the fans show me they love me, and I'm very happy here." Atletico are set for a summer of transition, having already confirmed long-serving forward Antoine Griezmann will depart for Orlando City at the end of the season. Arsenal, meanwhile, signed Viktor Gyokeres for an initial €63.5million (£54.8m, $74.2m) in the summer, adding to a strike force that included Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Two long-term injuries have disrupted Havertz's last two seasons, while Jesus returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December. Gyokeres has come in for criticism during his debut season at the club, scoring 18 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions. Alvarez has 19 goals in 47 appearances for Atletico this term.