Atletico Madrid won’t sell Alvarez - Simeone

Atletico Madrid is adamant about keeping forward Julian Alvarez, with coach Diego Simeone confirming he will not be sold despite interest from Barcelona and other clubs.

"The club has made a decision that (CEO) Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) has explained very well," Simeone 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."

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The club has made a decision that (CEO) Miguel Angel (Gil Marin) has explained very well. 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.

Earlier, Atletico filed a complaint with FIFA regarding alleged tapping-up of Alvarez by Barcelona. The Argentina international has also been linked with Premier League champions Arsenal. Gil Marin stated that the club rejected offers of 100 million euros and will not accept bids of 150 million or 200 million euros, asserting, "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."

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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. 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.

Simeone drew a parallel to Antoine Griezmann's situation, who left for Barcelona and later returned to Atletico, eventually winning over fans. "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," Simeone said. "I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him (Alvarez), just as we have done over the last few years."

Alvarez, who scored 49 goals for Atletico since joining from Manchester City two years ago, is due to rejoin the squad after a break following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. He had previously indicated that a transfer might be best for everyone, though he did not specify a preferred destination. Atletico begins their La Liga campaign on August 19 against Malaga.

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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. I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him (Alvarez), just as we have done over the last few years.