Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has confirmed the club will not allow Argentine striker Julian Alvarez to leave during the current transfer window, despite Barcelona's reported interest in the 26-year-old.
Last month, Atletico lodged a complaint with FIFA over Barcelona's alleged illegal approach to Alvarez. The player has also been linked with Premier League champions Arsenal and was the subject of a rejected €150 million (approx. $173.4 million) bid from Real Madrid in June.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, Simeone said: "I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin explained in detail. From a sporting perspective, we are very happy to have a player like Julian. We will help him continue to grow, improve, and keep delivering the best he has given over the past two years."
Alvarez is expected to rejoin the squad for training in two days, following his break after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final. During the tournament, the 26-year-old said he "believes a transfer would be best for everyone," without confirming his preferred destination.
Alvarez has scored 49 goals for Atletico since joining from Manchester City two years ago. CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin told the club's media channel: "We do not want to sell him. We did not accept a €100 million offer, nor will we accept €150 million or €200 million. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian, and Julian is Atletico Madrid's central striker. We want to keep him."
Asked how Atletico fans might receive Alvarez amid transfer speculation, Simeone referenced Antoine Griezmann. The French forward moved to Barcelona for a large fee before returning to Atletico. He initially faced hostility but later won back the supporters' affection and left last season as a club legend.
Simeone said: "We went through a period with Antoine over the years when he had to leave, return, and prove his quality and class on the pitch. I see no other path than to focus on sporting matters, do our job well, and help him, as we have done over the past few years."
Atletico begin their La Liga campaign on August 19 with a home match against newly promoted Malaga. The Madrid side finished fourth last season, 25 points behind champions Barcelona.
