Simeone confirms Alvarez will miss Atletico clash amid Arsenal transfer interest

Diego Simeone confirmed on Tuesday that Julian Alvarez will miss Atletico Madrid’s La Liga clash against Malaga, with the Argentine’s future at the club continuing to dominate the conversation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Alvarez only recently returned to Madrid following Argentina’s World Cup final participation, and his availability was a central topic at Simeone’s press conference. The Atletico head coach made clear the forward needs more time on the training pitch before he can be considered for selection.

“I still think the same way. I take care of the sporting side. We’ve been talking as we always do. From a sporting perspective, we need more training sessions with him so he can improve. He’s one of the best attacking players… if not the best,” Simeone said, via Marca.

Simeone also addressed the club’s firm stance on a potential sale to Barcelona, with a legal dispute having emerged between the two clubs following approaches from the Catalan side. “I think if the club owner spoke so bluntly about what he said, that’s all there is to it, it’s more than clear. This is like when you go to court… there’s nothing more to it. We take care of the person and the player, we understand that he’s not in condition to play in this match.”

Atletico have made it clear they will not sell Alvarez to Barcelona, but Arsenal have emerged as a realistic alternative destination, with the 25-year-old viewed as a marquee option. Despite the firm block on a Barcelona move, Hansi Flick’s side are said to remain Alvarez’s preferred club, though whether they can finance a deal — having recently signed Rodri from Manchester City — remains uncertain.

Arsenal’s pursuit is complicated further by their own defensive priorities. Jules Kounde has emerged as a potential target to cover the absences of Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, with the versatile defender able to operate both centrally and at right-back. Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera both impressed during the Community Shield win over Manchester City, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also caught the eye with a standout assist.