It is undoubtedly one of the next soap operas of the summer transfer window. Julian Alvarez has still not extended with Atlético de Madrid, who have nevertheless been trying to put the pen in his hand for several weeks now. There is no urgency either for the Argentine, under contract until 2030, arrived in the Spanish capital 15 months ago now from Manchester City and for €75 million. It is his great performances that put the Colchoneros on alert.
The Spider had a little delay in starting out in his debut, before scoring 29 goals and distributing 8 assists in 57 matches in all competitions with his club. In Madrid, he can finally be a starter, something that Pep Guardiola could not promise him due to the presence of Erling Haaland. This season, the 2022 world champion started on the same basis with 9 goals in 14 matches played, and 4 assists. Above all, Atlético wants to protect its backs.
Julian Alvarez does not close the door
The capital club knows it, FC Barcelona and PSG are interested in the services of the 25-year-old player. The fact of not extending the contract contributes to these rumors, especially since with the Matelassiers, Alvarez fears being confined to an outsider role in La Liga and the Champions League. He sees bigger than that but is Atlético able to compete with the giants of Spain and Europe for titles? “Nothing that has been written is true, it is just fanciful speculation.», Reacted his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, recently.
The player’s turn to speak in the columns of France Footballand to respond to rumors. “Frankly, I don’t know. I see what is being said on the networks… In Spain, there is a lot of talk about me and Barcelona. When I signed for Atlético last year, we talked a lot about Paris. It’s true, there were discussions between the leaders of PSG and my agent, they showed an interest in recruiting me, but it didn’t happen. At the moment I’m focused on Atlético. We will take stock at the end of the season.» The door is far from closed…
