Diego Simeone insists he is unfazed by mounting transfer speculation around Julián Álvarez, describing interest from European giants such as Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona as an inevitable consequence of the forward’s form.

Álvarez has been the standout figure in Atlético Madrid’s Champions League campaign, scoring nine times to drive the club into a semifinal showdown with Arsenal. His performances have reportedly prompted Barcelona to open exploratory talks with Atlético over a summer move, as the Catalan club search for a long-term successor to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been offered a renewal on reduced terms.

Asked about the prospect of losing his star attacker, Simeone was careful not to inflame the situation while underlining Álvarez’s value.

“I’m not in Julián’s head,” he told reporters. “I understand that it’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julián Álvarez is wanted by Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona. It’s normal because he’s so good.”

Álvarez’s stock rose further after he scored in Atlético’s dramatic quarterfinal victory over Barcelona, a 3-2 aggregate win that underlined the Argentine’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

For Atlético, the Champions League has become the defining target of their season. Defeat in the Copa del Rey final to Real Sociedad and a sizeable gap to Barcelona and Real Madrid in LaLiga mean Europe now represents their only realistic route to silverware.

“It’s extraordinary that Atlético are in a Champions League semifinal again, nine years later, our fourth in 14 years,” Simeone said. “It’s not pressure, it’s responsibility. We’re excited to be close. It’s a huge objective that the club has never achieved.”

Simeone revealed that winger Ademola Lookman, a revelation since his mid-season arrival, is a doubt for the first leg against Arsenal after feeling discomfort in training. “His arrival has had an impact on the team. He has some different qualities offensively. We’ll see tomorrow if he can recover,” the coach said.

Club captain Koke, meanwhile, rejected the idea that Atlético’s campaign is being framed solely around giving Antoine Griezmann a triumphant send-off before his expected move to MLS side Orlando City.

“If we can say goodbye with the Champions League, it would be incredible for everyone,” Koke said. “But we all have the same motivation, besides Antoine’s farewell. This is a team, and we play to try to achieve the maximum, and right now that’s the Champions League.”