Diego Simeone speaks publicly on Julián Alvarez’s Barcelona links | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has this week spoken publicly for the first time regarding the ongoing speculation linking star man Julián Alvarez with a move to La Liga rivals Barcelona.

Striker Alvarez has of course dominated the Spanish media headlines across the summer to date.

This comes amid the understanding that the former Manchester City man has been identified as Barcelona’s priority target to replace Robert Lewandowski for next season.

Alvarez, for his part, has already made public his desire to depart the Metropolitano this summer, keen on the prospect of a Blaugrana switch.

And as alluded to above, late this week, the Argentine’s manager has spoken out for the first time since.

During an interview with ESPN, as cited by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Diego Simeone responded as follows when drawn on Alvarez’s ongoing transfer links:

“He’s a fantastic player. The best player we have at Atlético. I can only speak well about Julián. He’s extraordinary and to find a player like him is very difficult.

“His future? Well… that’s his next game with Argentina! He should focus on that. Things will get resolved, as always in life.”

Conor Laird – GSFN