Liverpool transfer news: Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone responds to Julian Alvarez speculation

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone hints that he is relishing the interest in star man Julian Alvarez.

Last summer, the La Liga giants pulled off the surprise signing of the Argentina international in an £82m deal from Manchester City.

With more starts under his belt than he was getting at the Etihad Stadium, Alvarez delivered 29 goals and seven assists from 54 appearances during 2024-25.

Despite being less than 12 months into a six-year contract, Alvarez is now starting to attracting widespread admiration.

Liverpool and Arsenal are each said to be monitoring the situation, albeit being aware what it would take to tempt Atletico into a sale.

Simeone welcomes Alvarez transfer talk

Speaking to La Nacion, Simeone has refused to shut down speculation regarding his star man, instead acknowledging that it is inevitable that clubs will be circling for Alvarez's services.

Simeone said: "It’s logical, I can’t imagine any other scenario. Julian is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with status.

"How could everyone not want him? And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… the best have to want him. And for us, Atletico fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours.

"And since he’s ours, we have to take care of him. We have to help him feel happy. How will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all have to give 110%. And not just for him, of course, but for everyone."

Interested clubs wasting their time?

Given that Atletico spent £82m in August, it is obvious that they would only consider a sale if they were to receive in excess of £100m.

Simeone is looking to build a squad capable of lasting the pace against Barcelona and Real Madrid, the 25-year-old a key part of those plans.

Arsenal and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain perhaps have the financial firepower to meet any asking price, yet Alvarez has never indicated that he would be tempted into another move at this stage of his career.

With regular football desired before the 2026 World Cup, Alvarez will almost certainly be staying put at Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Written by
Darren Plant