Atlético’s Simeone: Normal for Arsenal, PSG, Barça to want Álvarez

Diego Simeone stated it is “normal” that star ahead Julian Alvarez is being linked to groups like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelonaas Atlético Madrid put together to host the Gunners of their Champions League first leg semi-final

ESPN reported on Monday that Barça had made contact with Atlético over a attainable summer time transfer for Álvarez — who has scored 9 Champions League objectives this marketing campaign — though the LaLiga leaders have been conscious of the challenges of pulling off such a deal.

Barcelona are wanting for a centre-forward this summer time to substitute Robert Lewandowski37, who has been supplied a contract extension, however on decreased phrases.

“I’m not in Julián’s head,” Simeone stated in a information convention on Tuesday, when requested about Álvarez’s future. “I understand that it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julián Álvarez is wanted by Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s so good.”

Álvarez scored as Atlético eradicated Barça 3-2 on mixture in a dramatic Champions League quarterfinal tie.

Atlético’s hopes of silverware this season now relaxation on Europe, after they misplaced the King’s Cup finish to Royal Societyand path effectively behind Barça and real Madrid within the LaLiga title race.

“It’s extraordinary that Atlético are in a Champions League semi-final again, nine years later, our fourth in 14 years,” Simeone stated. “It’s not pressure, it’s responsibility. We’re excited to be close. It’s a huge objective that the club has never achieved.”

The coach confirmed that winger Ademola Lookmanwho has starred since arriving at Atlético mid-season, was a doubt for Wednesday’s recreation.

“His arrival has had an impact on the team,” Simeone stated. “He has some different qualities offensively…We’ll see tomorrow if he can recover, as he had some discomfort today.”

membership captain koke denied that Atlético have been motivated by delivering a serious trophy for veteran ahead Antoine Griezmannearlier than he indicators for Orlando City in MLS this summer time.

“If we can say goodbye to the Champions League, it would be incredible for everyone,” the midfielder stated.

“But we all have the same motivation, besides Antoine’s farewell. This is a team, and we play to try to achieve the maximum, and right now that’s the Champions League.”