Javier Zanetti defends Julián Alvarez in the midst of marketing turmoil ahead of the 2026 World Cup

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A few days before the official opening of the summer transfer window, the name of Julián Alvarez continues to generate a lot of international rumors. The Atlético Madrid striker is being courted by several major European clubs such as FC Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Despite this interest, the Madrid club firmly affirms that it does not want to part with its player. In this context, Javier Zanetti, vice-president of Inter Milan and icon of Argentine football, provided his point of view on the situation of his compatriot. “We are talking about an excellent player, it is normal that the big clubs are interested in him. Julián is a very intelligent boy who will know how to stay prepared and focused for this World Cup,” said Zanetti, thus minimizing the impact of speculation around the transfer window. For now, Alvarez appears focused on one goal: fully recovering from the ankle injury sustained in the Champions League semi-final first leg in order to be ready for Argentina's first match at the World Cup. His rehabilitation process is progressing with constant medical monitoring from the national team, who will assess whether he can be fielded from the group stage. Furthermore, Atlético Madrid sees Julián Alvarez as a key element of its sporting project and under no circumstances wishes to consider a sale during this transfer window. Thus, despite the many desires, the young Argentine striker will have to

he will therefore continue his career in La Liga, at least for the next season. Attention is now focused on his return to form and his expected performances with the Albiceleste during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.