Simeone insists Julian Alvarez remains part of Atletico's plans despite transfer talk

Alvarez has been linked with Barcelona, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, with reports suggesting the forward favours a move to the Spanish champions. Atletico, however, have remained firm in their stance that the striker is not for sale.

Speaking to ESPN, Simeone praised Alvarez's attitude and insisted the club still regards him as one of its most important players.

"He is an extraordinary footballer, the best player we have at Atletico Madrid," Simeone said. "His numbers speak for themselves. He has shown great consistency and has made a real impact on the team, proving himself to be a special kind of player.

"We are very happy with his work. I can't say anything other than what I've already told you, because he has conducted himself well as a person. He is a guy who has always worked in the best possible way for the good of the team."

Simeone also revealed that he recently met Alvarez while visiting Argentina's national team camp. Although the trip was not arranged specifically to see the forward, the pair discussed his recovery from an ankle injury and his current form.

"I ran into Giuliano and spent a little while chatting with him, mostly about how things were going for him, the state of his ankle, and his importance to the team," Simeone explained.

"He told me he was doing really well and was back to 100 per cent. In the second match, even though he was not as sharp as usual, he already showed a different rhythm and intensity. Argentina is going to need that."

Despite Alvarez's transfer request, Simeone made it clear that he still sees the striker as the centrepiece of Atletico's long-term plans.

"He is the player around whom we plan to build our game," Simeone said. "His future is, above all, tomorrow's match. The best thing for him is to focus on that and not dwell on all these things that have surfaced, so they don't cause him any confusion. Things will be resolved just as they always do in life."