Atletico boss vows to reintegrate unsettled striker as transfer saga continues
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will make Julian Alvarez feel valued once the forward returns to training, while confirming he will miss Saturday's La Liga match at Sevilla due to health concerns. The club has publicly rejected Barcelona's interest, leaving Arsenal as a possible destination. Simeone acknowledged the absence of both Alvarez and injured striker Alexander Sorloth, but insisted the squad remains focused.
Alvarez has been absent from training for three consecutive days, with Simeone citing health concerns rather than the transfer dispute as the reason for his absence from the Sevilla trip. The 26-year-old forward made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, contributing 20 goals for the Spanish side.
Atletico have issued two public statements within 24 hours firmly rejecting Barcelona's pursuit, leaving Arsenal as the apparent sole alternative destination. Meanwhile, new defender Cristian Romero, signed from Tottenham for 40 million euros, will travel to Sevilla, though Simeone stressed he will not rush the Argentine's integration into the squad.
This saga could affect Atletico's competitive momentum early in the La Liga season, with two key attacking players unavailable. Fans may feel uncertainty about the club's direction, while the public rejection of Barcelona could strain relationships between the Spanish giants. The situation may also influence player morale and transfer market dynamics, as other clubs watch how Atletico handles a disgruntled star.