Atletico Madrid seek to show Alvarez they are elite challengers during Arsenal clash

Julian Alvarez has become a central figure at Atletico Madrid, yet the team must still demonstrate to the Argentine forward that they rank among Europe's top clubs and can meet his aspirations.

The upcoming trip to Arsenal, who reached the semi-finals last season, in the Champions League on Tuesday offers a perfect chance to gauge their strength.

Diego Simeone's squad remains undefeated in six outings across various competitions following their late loss to Liverpool at Anfield back in September.

Virgil van Dijk's goal in added time brought a sense of disappointment that echoed past experiences for Atletico, worsening their shaky domestic beginning after a season without trophies in 2024/25.

Soon after, fresh rumours emerged suggesting Barcelona's interest in acquiring the forward next summer to succeed the ageing Robert Lewandowski.

"Folks tend to chat about such things," Alvarez remarked, avoiding both stirring the speculation and fully dismissing it.

Alvarez moved to Atletico from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for 85 million euros ($99 million) and netted 29 goals in a solid debut campaign.

With Antoine Griezmann's role diminishing, Alvarez stepped up, especially towards the latter part of the term.

The forward endured a disputed penalty disallowance in the shoot-out versus Real Madrid during the Champions League last-16 tie last season, which led to Atletico's exit and the unravelling of their year.

This summer, the club underwent a rebuild, and though it took time to gel, Alvarez has elevated his contributions further.

The 25-year-old notched a hat-trick in the 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, then bagged a brace in the 5-2 thrashing of bitter foes Real Madrid.

Alvarez also found the net and set up two others as Atletico hammered Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in their subsequent Champions League fixture, reviving their continental hopes.

Prior to this streak, Alvarez seemed irritated by Simeone's habit of substituting him early.

He subsequently clarified that observers had misinterpreted his lip movements and he had not targeted his manager.

Nonetheless, following Alvarez's reaction and the Barcelona connections, Simeone recognised the importance of ensuring the forward's contentment.

"Julian stands out as an exceptional talent, dedicated to the squad, devoted to the club, pouring everything in, and we are thrilled to count him among us," the manager stated.

"It is essential we nurture him well so he remains with us for numerous seasons ahead."

I would relish having him

Simeone described Alvarez, a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, as the team's "top" performer, deviating from his typical collective focus.

The forward's displays have also earned praise from ex-boss Pep Guardiola, who commended him recently.

"Julian vied for spots with Erling (Haaland), an outstanding challenge for our group. Presently, he is with a premier outfit in Atletico Madrid, guided by a top-tier coach and alongside elite colleagues, and he is excelling remarkably," Guardiola, the Manchester City head, commented.

"These days I would adore bringing him back... yet I comprehend his departure."

During his two standout years at City, the striker claimed two Premier League crowns and a Champions League trophy.

Alvarez faces few stiffer backlines than Mikel Arteta's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The return of midfielder Alex Baena from injury bolsters Atletico and Alvarez, with early signs of synergy evident on Saturday when Simeone's men scraped a 1-0 win at Osasuna.

Baena saw a goal ruled out for offside on Griezmann after a superb pass from Alvarez, hinting at promising partnerships ahead.

Ultimately, retaining Alvarez's satisfaction hinges on proving they can overcome sides like Arsenal en route to claiming honours.