Atletico look to underline ambition in Arsenal semi-final as Alvarez future draws focus

London: Atletico Madrid head into Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal with more than a place in Budapest at stake, as the tie also comes amid renewed attention on Julian Alvarez’s future at the club.

The Argentine forward has been linked with Arsenal and Spanish champions Barcelona, and his long-term plans have become a talking point in recent months. In March, Alvarez fuelled speculation when he said, "Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know, when asked whether he would remain at Atletico next season. He later sought to play down the discussion and said his focus was on the closing stretch of the campaign. Ahead of last week’s 1-1 first-leg draw, Alvarez said, I try not to pay too much attention to (rumours) because something new comes out every week, new information, and I don't waste my energy on that. He added, Instead, I try to focus on what we're doing. It's the most important time of the season, and I want to be in good shape so I can help the team and do great things here."

For coach Diego Simeone and Atletico, progressing past Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders would strengthen the case that Alvarez can fulfil his ambitions in Madrid. Simeone has repeatedly backed the striker, earlier in the season describing him as the team’s most important player and standing by him during a difficult spell.

Alvarez has responded strongly, scoring 10 goals in his last 18 matches, including Atletico’s equaliser against Arsenal in the first leg. Atletico also showed in that match that they need not feel overawed by their opponents. Although neither side has won the Champions League, both are often counted among the biggest clubs yet to lift the trophy.

Fresh squad for decisive trip

Led in attack by Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann, who is in the closing phase of his Atletico career before a move to MLS side Orlando City, Simeone’s team had the better of much of the first meeting at the Metropolitano. Arsenal were left frustrated after a penalty initially awarded in their favour was overturned by VAR, but goalkeeper David Raya was tested more often than Atletico counterpart Jan Oblak.

At 26, Alvarez is at a stage in his career where his ambitions may weigh more heavily in his decisions. He has already won the Premier League twice and the Champions League with Manchester City, as well as the World Cup with Argentina.

Since joining Atletico in 2024, however, his nearest brush with silverware came in April’s Copa del Rey final, where Atletico lost on penalties to Real Sociedad. Alvarez missed in the shoot-out. Penalties have also troubled him before: last season, Atletico’s Champions League run ended in the last 16 against Real Madrid when his controversial double-touch penalty was ruled out.

He made no such mistake against Arsenal last week, converting powerfully from the spot after Viktor Gyokeres had opened the scoring with a penalty. Alvarez was later substituted with what Spanish media described as a minor ankle sprain, but he is expected to start the return leg.

Simeone made sweeping changes for Atletico’s weekend La Liga win at Valencia, rotating his entire line-up before the trip to London. The Spanish side now arrive at the Emirates with a rested squad as they try to reach the Champions League final for the first time in 10 years.

For Atletico, the immediate objective is to move one step closer to a first European Cup. The wider significance, however, is also clear: a major result against Arsenal would help demonstrate to Alvarez that he does not need to leave in order to compete for the biggest honours.