Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez discussed the rumours linking him to Barcelona.
Argentinian striker Julian Alvarez said that he pays no mind to the transfer rumours linking him to Barcelona, insisting he is fully focused on Atletico Madrid and the coming World Cup.
The 25-year-old, who won the Mundial with Albiceleste in 2022, joined Atleti in the summer of 2023. After only one full season and into the second, he is already getting linked with rivals.
What Alvarez said
The former Manchester City man had another match-winning performance for the Rojiblancos, scoring once and assisting twice to help Diego Simeone’s side secure a 5-1 victory over Frankfurt in their Champions League matchweek two fixture.
After the match he was asked about the interest from Barcelona, which has gained ground in recent days, and he had the following to say:
“Look, I’m very calm,” he said, per AlbicelesteTalk. “There’s always talk. Last year too a lot of things were said, but the truth is that the season is just starting now, and my focus is on improving every day, on doing better for the club, winning with my teammates, winning here. That’s the only thing on my mind. What’s said on social media is beyond me.
Julian Alvarez in action for Atletico Madrid || IMAGE Credit: Imago
“Right now, the focus is on the season and also on the World Cup. Even though there’s still a long way to go until the World Cup, obviously, as a playe,r you can’t help but think about it, because it’s the most important tournament. But like I said, there’s still a lot of time, and we have to take it game by game, step by step.”
Barcelona’s interested
Barcelona are expected to be in the market for a new centre-forward in the summer, with Robert Lewandowski’s contract to expire at the end of the season.
The chatter from Spanish sources is that the Blaugrana president, Joan Laporta, is a huge fan of Alvarez and wants to sign him to help boost his reelection bid in the summer. They have also been linked with Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, said to be favoured by Hansi Flick.