Diego Simeone sat down with Julián Álvarez ahead of Atlético Madrid's training session on Wednesday, sources have told ESPN — the first face-to-face conversation between the two men since the star forward made clear he wants to leave the club this summer.

The meeting marks a significant moment in what has become an increasingly tense situation at Atlético Madrid, with Álvarez's future at the club now openly in question following his transfer request.