Simeone says Atletico will keep Julian Alvarez this transfer window

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said on Saturday in Seoul, ahead of a pre-season friendly against Manchester City, that the club will not allow forward Julian Alvarez to leave during the current transfer window.

The assertion comes amid sustained transfer speculation surrounding the Argentina international, including reported interest from Barcelona and links to Premier League clubs; Atletico last month filed a complaint to FIFA alleging Barcelona had tapped up Alvarez. The 26-year-old was the subject of a rejected €150-million ($173.4m) bid from Real Madrid in June and has scored 49 goals for Atletico since signing from Manchester City two years ago.

“I think the situation is very clear. 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.”

Atletico's CEO provided a firm financial stance on Alvarez's future, telling the club's in-house media channel: “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.” He added: “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 addressed potential fan reaction by recalling Antoine Griezmann's return to the club, noting the French forward left for Barcelona before coming back to Atletico and initially facing hostility from supporters; Griezmann later won them over and departed last season “a club legend.” “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,” said Simeone. “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.”

Atletico begin their La Liga season on August 19 with a home match against newly-promoted Malaga; the capital club finished fourth last season, 25 points adrift of champions Barcelona.

Alvarez is due to rejoin the Atletico squad in two days' time after taking a break following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain.