Simeone Confirms Arsenal’s Interest In Julián Álvarez, Provides Update On Lookman Chase

Diego Simeone has acknowledged that Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez is drawing strong interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Ireporter Online, the Argentine manager made the revelation during his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal at the Metropolitano Stadium, where he was questioned about ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the former Manchester City striker.

Simeone noted that it is expected for a player of Álvarez’s calibre to attract attention from top clubs, while stressing that he is not privy to the player’s personal thoughts on his future.

He further explained that the widespread interest reflects the forward’s quality and rapid rise since joining Atlético Madrid in 2024, where he has quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad.

Meanwhile, Simeone also addressed concerns over the fitness of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman ahead of the high-stakes encounter, confirming that the player remains a doubt after sustaining an injury in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, which has already ruled him out of recent La Liga fixtures.

The Atlético boss praised Lookman’s impact since joining the club from Atalanta, describing his offensive attributes as highly valuable while also noting improvements in his defensive work. However, he emphasized that a final decision on the winger’s availability will be made after a late fitness assessment.

Since his winter transfer, Lookman has become an important attacking option for Atlético Madrid, registering goals and assists in the Champions League, including a crucial strike against Barcelona in the quarter-finals that helped secure the club’s progression to the last four.

Despite earlier optimism regarding his recovery, uncertainty still surrounds his involvement in the semi-final clash, with the coaching staff expected to make a final call based on his condition closer to matchday.