Atletico Madrid dig in over Julian Alvarez as Simeone shuts down transfer talk

Atletico Madrid have made their clearest statement yet that Julian Alvarez will not be leaving the club this summer, with manager Diego Simeone and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin both insisting the Argentina striker is going nowhere.

The stance comes after a turbulent few weeks in which Real Madrid saw a 150 million euro bid rejected in June, Barcelona were reported to FIFA for an alleged approach, and Arsenal were linked with a move for the 26-year-old. Alvarez himself fuelled the speculation while on international duty, saying he believed a transfer would be best for everyone, though he stopped short of naming a preferred destination.

Club united behind the player

Speaking ahead of a pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, Simeone said the situation was unambiguous. "The club has made a decision that Miguel Angel has explained very well," he told reporters. "From a sporting perspective, we're very happy to have a footballer like Julian... We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best, which has been a tremendous amount, that he has given us over the last two years."

Gil Marin was even more direct on the club's own media channel. "We don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the 100-million-euro offer, nor will we accept one for 150 million or 200 million," he said. "I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him."

We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch.

Griezmann precedent offers a template

When asked how Alvarez might be received by supporters after the transfer talk, Simeone pointed to Antoine Griezmann. The French forward left for Barcelona in a big-money move, returned to a mixed reception, and eventually departed last season as a club legend. "I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him, just as we have done over the last few years," Simeone said.

Season kicks off against Malaga

Alvarez is due to rejoin the squad in two days after a break following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain. Atletico open their La Liga campaign on 19 August at home to newly promoted Malaga. The capital side finished fourth last term, 25 points adrift of champions Barcelona, and will hope a settled forward line can help close that gap.