Julian Alvarez transfer talk slammed amid Arsenal links - 'You're all going a bit overboard'

• 

• Arsenal
• Arsenal Transfer News
• Arsenal transfer news

Arsenal have been sent a clear Julian Alvarez transfer message by an Atletico Madrid club chief

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has blasted the Spanish media over Julian Alvarez exit links. Arsenal are one of many clubs to have been linked to the versatile forward, with Barcelona also believed to have a keen interest in signing the Atletico forward.

Before the two clubs met in La Liga action on Saturday evening, Cerezo delivered a clear verdict to the press pack. He said: "You are crossing the line a little with Alvarez. He’s an Atletico Madrid player and has a long contract with the club.”

Barcelona ultimately won that meeting with Robert Lewandowski, who is the forward that would be replaced by Alvarez if he joined, grabbing a late winner off the bench. Marcus Rashford had earlier cancelled out Giuliano Simeone's opener.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Alvarez was an unused substitute for the clash, with all of Atleti's focus on the Champions League as they now sit 19 points behind leaders Barcelona. A quarter-final tie between the two Spanish clubs will take place over the coming weeks with Alvarez seemingly rested for Wednesday's first leg at Camp Nou.

It has been another impressive season in front of goal for the Argentine as he currently sits on 17 goals from 44 appearances. He managed 29 in his debut campaign under Diego Simeone and reaching that tally again is possible with Atletico having a maximum of 15 matches remaining.

Arsenal's interest is not too much of a surprise, given sporting director Andrea Berta likely negotiated his £82million move from Manchester City.

Despite Viktor Gyokeres scoring in the FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Southampton, Arsenal's attacking struggles were on display yet again.

Arteta's side have now suffered damaging cup defeats in their last two games with a big few weeks on the horizon that could define their season. A Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Sporting CP is up first with a Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium scheduled for next weekend.

The Gunners remain on home soil for the second leg against Portuguese opposition, with Arsenal then set to take on Manchester City in a huge title race clash at Etihad Stadium.

If Arsenal get past Sporting, they will have a Champions League semi-final after that game against either Barcelona or Alvarez's Atletico.

The latter scored three goals in the previous round against Tottenham but was very quiet when facing the Gunners in the group stages, with Arteta's side winning that clash 4-0.

Barcelona's defensive struggles would also make Arsenal favourites for a potential semi-final against Hansi Flick's side even with their contrasting fortunes in the attacking third, with Newcastle beaten 7-2 in the second leg of their last-16 encounter.