Simeone confirms Arsenal interest in Alvarez as Atletico braces for £105m fee demand

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 for a package worth up to £81.5m and still has four years left on his contract. In 104 appearances he has scored 48 goals, establishing himself as a key attacking option. His agent recently dismissed Barcelona links as "1000 percent false," and Alvarez himself said he ignores rumors to avoid wasting energy.

Simeone told reporters he does not know Alvarez’s thoughts but noted it is normal for an extraordinary player to be wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain and Barcelona. He added that he is not inside the player’s head and cannot confirm any desire to leave.

Alvarez said he tries not to give importance to weekly speculation, focusing instead on his performances at the Metropolitano. He described the media cycle as a snowball of lies that he refuses to chase.

UK reports indicate Atletico would seek a transfer fee comparable to the club‑record £105m paid for Declan Rice. That figure would exceed the striker’s original outlay and reflect his increased market value after a season in La Liga.

The interest from Arsenal fits a longer‑term pattern; the Gunners were linked with Alvarez last summer before signing Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres has endured a frustrating first season in north London, leaving Arsenal potentially receptive to a new forward option.

If Atletico holds firm on the £105m demand, any suitor must weigh the cost against Alvarez’s goal output and remaining contract length. The club’s stance suggests they intend to treat the player as a premium asset rather than a bargaining chip.

What to watch next: whether Arsenal submits a formal bid before the summer window opens, how Alvarez performs in the upcoming Champions League semi‑final first leg, and any public response from Atletico’s board regarding the fee expectation.