Diego Simeone has staunchly defended Julian Alvarez after the Argentina international suffered a hostile reception from Atletico Madrid supporters during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal. The forward faced loud jeers at the Metropolitano following a summer-long transfer saga involving Barcelona, prompting his manager to issue a firm vow of protection.
Julian Alvarez endured a highly hostile reception from Atletico Madrid supporters during Sunday's dramatic 2-2 La Liga draw with Villarreal. The Argentine forward was brutally booed as he entered the pitch from the bench, with fans directing explicit chants at him, demanding his immediate departure amid intense summer transfer links to Arsenal and Barcelona.
Julian Alvarez is reportedly open to joining Arsenal this summer despite holding significant reservations about returning to England. The forward has previously viewed Barcelona as his dream destination, but with the Catalan club stepping back, he is now seriously considering a move to North London as the transfer window approaches its crucial final days.
Chris Richards and Tyler Adams begin their Premier League campaigns, while Weston McKennie, Johnny Cardoso and Alex Freeman face intriguing tests elsewhere.
Furious Atletico Madrid supporters have staged angry protests at the club's training ground targeting Julian Alvarez following his push to join Barcelona this summer. Banners demanding the Argentine's departure were displayed after hostile chants echoed during their La Liga opener, leaving the forward's relationship with the fanbase in tatters.
According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Atletico Madrid are now prepared after all to let the transfer-seeking Julian Alvarez leave, but rule out a deal with Barcelona.