Simeone: Atlético's stance on Álvarez 'clear'

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone stated on Tuesday that the club's position on Julián Álvarez is 'perfectly clear,' expressing his desire to build the team around the Argentine forward this season. Álvarez has been heavily linked with a move away, with Real Madrid submitting a €150 million bid and Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirming interest, but Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has insisted the player is not for sale. Álvarez is not yet available for Atlético's LaLiga opener against Málaga on Wednesday, having returned late from preseason after playing in the World Cup final with Argentina.