Atletico Madrid are gearing up for perhaps their most important game of the season as they lock horns with Arsenal tonight, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Following failures in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, securing the UCL could be critical for Atleti if they are to keep hold of Alvarez this summer, especially amid interest from Barcelona.
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However, heading into tonight’s game, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo offered his thoughts on the speculation surrounding Alvarez’s future and he did not mince his words.
What Cerezo said about Alvarez
Speaking to the media ahead of the semi-final, Cerezo expressed his frustration with the volume of reports linking the Argentine striker to a move away from the Metropolitano.
“Julian is an Atletico de Madrid player. He is today, he will be tomorrow, and next season. To insist on this again seems, frankly, hurtful to me,” he said (h/t Diario SPORT).
When asked about Barcelona specifically, Cerezo mocked the Catalans, citing Atletico Madrid’s recent win over the Blaugrana in the Champions League quarterfinals.
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“I like goals, that’s why I always enjoy playing against Barcelona.”
Atletico Madrid remain keen on keeping hold of Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Are Barcelona making any inroads?
Cerezo’s comments come against the backdrop of Barcelona slowly starting to realise the operational cost of trying to sign someone like Alvarez.
The Argentine international is easily valued at around €120 million, which is simply unrealistic for a club still dealing with FFP limitations and an inflated salary bill.
Therefore, unless the Catalans manage to secure the exit of multiple first-team stars in the coming summer, they may soon have to settle for cost-effective alternatives.
Atletico Madrid, for one, have no desire to sell their top striker to a direct rival. Barcelona, therefore, have a decision to make this summer.
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