Simeone Reveals Arsenal Interest in Julian Alvarez
Diego Simeone has claimed that Arsenal want to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, just a day before their Champions League semi-final clash. The 26-year-old Argentina international has netted 20 goals in 52 appearances this season and is set to face the Gunners at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.
Alvarez, who previously played for Manchester City, has been linked with a move to north London. When asked about Arsenal's interest, Simeone stated: 'I am not in Julian Alvarez's head. I just suppose it is normal. He is an extraordinary player. There is interest from Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Barcelona and other teams. But it is nothing we are concerned about.'
Arsenal's Striker Situation
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64 million last summer, and despite scoring 18 goals in his debut campaign, he has struggled for consistency. Gyokeres was benched for crucial matches against Manchester City and Newcastle recently. However, with Kai Havertz picking up an injury in the first half of Arsenal's win over Newcastle and missing training on Tuesday, Gyokeres is expected to start in Madrid.
Eberechi Eze also had to be substituted against Newcastle but returned to training, providing a boost for Mikel Arteta.
Atletico's Form and Ambition
Atletico Madrid, who have never won the Champions League, eliminated Tottenham and Barcelona to reach the semi-finals. However, they have lost six of their last nine games. Simeone commented: 'In terms of pressure, I don't feel the pressure and it is exciting to be as close as we are and we have never achieved it before. It is a special excitement. Leadership defines these games and we need to be ready and take the game to where we believe we can punish them. We will have a very tough game, against a fantastic rival and we are very excited about it.'
Atletico captain Koke, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is likely playing in his fourth and possibly last Champions League semi-final with the club. He said: 'In the lead-up to these games, we are always excited. We feel butterflies in our stomach. It is just like a first date. Then once you start warming up it is all gone, it is just a football game, and you would be as excited as you would be for any semi-final. We expect a very strong Arsenal side and this is a Champions League semi-final and that is how we approach it.'
