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Analysis
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Simeone breaks silence on Julian Alvarez transfer amid Barcelona chaos
28 Aug 2026 09:30 CDT |
4 min read
News
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has spoken out about Julian Alvarez’s transfer situation amid ongoing speculation that the player is trying to force through a move to Barcelona.
Alvarez has missed training for the third successive day, with reports in Spain indicating that he is suffering from depression.
The 26-year-old is embroiled in a period of transfer chaos, with Atletico Madrid refusing to allow him to join Barcelona.
Current ETV
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
ETV Range
€84M - €102.7M
Although Arsenal are interested in the player, he reportedly has his eyes set on Camp Nou and has no interest in returning to the Premier League, where he played for Manchester City.
This has prompted frustration both from the Atletico Madrid boardroom and stands, with fans chanting against the player, whose demeanour has looked out of sorts since returning from the World Cup.
Simeone on Julian Alvarez to Barcelona
Simeone has broken his silence over the situation and is hopeful that the forward will still have a part to play in the Spanish capital.
“The club was very clear and concise in everything they explained and everything that's going to happen,” Atleti’s boss said.
“I remain in the same position, hoping that from a sporting perspective I can help him in the best way possible so that he continues to be the crucial player he is for us, and to focus on what matters most, which is Sevilla.
“Obviously, Julian won't be available tomorrow, and we have to compete against an opponent that has won two matches and has a lot of confidence, and we have to take the game to where we think we can hurt them.”
Atletico Madrid released a strong statement this week indicating that Alvarez will not be transferred to Barcelona, and Simeone was speaking as if he expects the player to return.
“From the moment he returns to training, I'll do everything I can to make him feel important,” the manager said.
“In life, everything can be reversed as long as there is health.”
Arsenal or bust for Julian Alvarez?
Arsenal are now seen as the only viable option for Alvarez in terms of a transfer destination this summer.
However, the striker still has four years to run on his contract in Spain, and that leaves Atletico Madrid in charge of his price.
Reports from Argentina indicate that they will be willing to accept a bid in the region of €130 million, despite having rejected an offer from Real Madrid that was worth €150m.
Meanwhile, previous bids from Barcelona have been laughed off, with Los Rojiblancos attacking a frugal offer from the Catalan side on social media earlier this summer.
The saga has soured relations between the clubs, while it remains to be seen if Atletico Madrid’s rapport with Alvarez can be repaired as Simeone hopes.
