Atletico Madrid player Julian Alvarez has stated that he is making an effort to disregard speculation surrounding potential transfers to Arsenal and Barcelona. The World Cup winner has been consistently connected with a move to Camp Nou this year, despite persistent denials from President Enrique Cerezo that Alvarez is available for transfer. His current contract extends until 2030.
Nevertheless, reports from Barcelona, suggesting he is their primary target to succeed Robert Lewandowski this summer, have continued. Arsenal, Atletico’s opponents in the Champions League semi-finals, and Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly interested, with Barcelona being his preferred destination according to these reports. In response, Atletico reportedly plans to double his salary in a new contract to alleviate any uncertainties about his future.
Julian Alvarez Responds to Transfer Rumors
Speaking to the media before Atletico’s tie against Arsenal, Alvarez was questioned about the ongoing speculation.
“I try not to think about it too much because something new comes out every week, new information, and I don’t waste my energy on that. Instead, I try to focus on what we’re doing. This is the most important time of the season, and I want to be in top form so I can help the team and achieve great things here,” he told Marca.
“I can’t be constantly clarifying or denying things. I don’t pay attention to what’s on social media because it often becomes a snowball of lies. That’s why I don’t waste energy on it and I save it for the things that interest me and for what I can do to help the team.”
Alvarez on the Arsenal Clash
The initial focus was on their semi-final against Arsenal, and Alvarez commented that his teammates are striving to make history.
“We’re having a very good season. If we reach the final, we’ll have played every game of the season, and that’s what we’re focused on. We’re doing well as a group, and we want to make history ourselves.”
The Argentina international expressed no strong preference on whether playing at the Metropolitano first offered an advantage or disadvantage.
“It depends on how you look at it; it can be better or worse. In the Copa against Barcelona, we did well playing at home first with that 4-0 win, and against Club Brugge, we started away. The important thing is to play two great matches. These games are decided by details; we play the first one with our fans, and we hope to take the advantage.”
Atletico faces Arsenal on Wednesday night at 21:00 CEST in Madrid, with the return leg scheduled for Tuesday in London.
