Diego Simeone doesn’t mince words. And on Saturday, speaking from Seoul during Atletico Madrid’s pre-season tour, he made his club’s position on Julian Alvarez crystal clear.
“The situation is very clear. The institution has taken a decision that Miguel Angel explained very well,” Simeone told reporters. “From a sporting point of view, we are very happy to have a player like Julian.”
It’s the latest chapter in a saga that’s gripped European football all summer. And for Arsenal fans, it’s both a setback and — strangely — a reason for hope.
Atletico Won’t Budge, Not Even for €200 Million
This isn’t posturing. Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin went on the club’s YouTube channel just days before the World Cup final to deliver one of the most emphatic transfer statements you’ll hear.
He confirmed Atletico had rejected a €100 million bid from Barcelona. They’d also turned down a €150 million offer from Real Madrid. And he wasn’t stopping there.
“We don’t want to transfer him, and we will not accept an offer of 100, 150, or 200 million for Julian Alvarez,” Gil Marin said.
He even told Barcelona president Joan Laporta directly to stop calling. “Please, just let it go. We are not going to sell him.”
Alvarez has four years left on a contract that includes a staggering €500 million release clause. Atletico hold every card here.
The Griezmann Warning — and What It Means for Arsenal
Simeone added a pointed layer to his comments on Saturday. When asked about Alvarez’s public desire to leave, he drew a direct comparison to Antoine Griezmann.
“We have already seen what happened with Griezmann,” Simeone said. “I don’t see any other way than to work from the sporting side.”
It’s a not-so-subtle reminder. Griezmann forced his way to Barcelona in 2019 for €120 million. He was miserable for two seasons. Then he came back to Atletico, initially to boos, and had to rebuild everything from scratch.
Gil Marin reinforced this earlier, saying Griezmann himself admitted leaving was a mistake. The message to Alvarez? Think very carefully before you push this.
But here’s the thing — Alvarez doesn’t seem to be listening.
During the World Cup, after Argentina’s win over Austria, he went public. “I spoke with the people at the club I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream.”
Reports suggest he’ll reiterate that desire when he reports for pre-season next week.
Why Arsenal Remain in the Picture
So where do the Gunners fit into all of this?
Barcelona is Alvarez’s dream destination. That’s been widely reported. But Atletico flatly refuse to strengthen a direct La Liga rival. They’ve told Alvarez he essentially has two options: stay, or move to a club outside Spain.
That’s where Arsenal step in.
Spanish outlet AS reported back in June that Arsenal had been informed they’re “the only club able to sign” the Argentine. It’s a position they’ve quietly maintained ever since.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is key to their chances. He spent 12 years at Atletico before joining Arsenal last March. He personally negotiated Alvarez’s €95 million transfer from Manchester City in 2024. He knows the people, the processes, and the player’s camp inside out.
According to TEAMtalk, Atletico have even signalled they’d consider taking players in part-exchange. Arsenal have floated the names of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Viktor Gyokeres. Atletico are reportedly open to that kind of deal structure.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely. If Barcelona’s pursuit collapses — and with Atletico this stubborn, it very well could — Arsenal are positioned to move quickly.
Alvarez himself reportedly views the Arsenal project under Mikel Arteta “very positively,” according to TEAMtalk sources. That’s not the same as preferring it. But it’s something.
The reality? This transfer hinges on Barcelona’s next move. If Laporta walks away — and he’s hinted the club’s offer “won’t be unlimited” — then Arsenal’s path opens up.
Atletico don’t want to sell to anyone. But if Alvarez forces their hand, they’d rather deal with a Premier League club than gift him to a title rival. And no Premier League club is better positioned than Arsenal right now.
It’s a waiting game. But it’s one Arsenal have been playing smartly all summer.
