Atletico Madrid have stated there is zero percent chance of selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, taking a furious stance against the wantaway striker.
The Spanish club expressed their fury over the ongoing transfer saga surrounding the 26-year-old Argentine forward, accusing rivals Barcelona of creating a campaign of lies that has caused financial and social harm with only days remaining in the transfer window.
In a blunt statement provided to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Atletico leaders hit back at the narrative surrounding the player. "The player is being portrayed as a victim, but the only victim of the Julian case is us," the club stated.
"They have harmed us economically and socially. There is a zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca. This situation is not about money, it's about dignity. There is a campaign with many lies and half-truths that has been created. The only one who pays for this is Atletico," the club added.
Arsenal Premier League Option
Although reports have suggested Barcelona are the preferred destination for Alvarez, Atletico Madrid's firm refusal to negotiate with their domestic rivals could open the door for a move to English Premier League club Arsenal.
Alvarez is not ruling out a potential transfer to Arsenal after being left stunned by the hostile reaction from Atletico supporters on Sunday. While Atletico Chief Executive Officer Miguel Angel Gil Marin stated last month that the club would not entertain offers even in the region of £170 million, it is believed an offer of around €150 million (£130 million) from Arsenal could be accepted.
The Argentine international striker has a £428 million release clause in his contract. Atletico have already rejected a bid of £129 million from their bitter capital rivals Real Madrid earlier in the summer transfer window.
Alvarez, 26, joined Atletico Madrid as a marquee signing after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. Atletico compete at the top of Spain's La Liga and play their home matches in Madrid, while Arsenal are based in London and compete in the English Premier League.
According to Marca, Atletico officials are frustrated after Alvarez rejected the offer of a bumper new contract in March. The player also refused to adhere to a deadline of June 20 set by the club to resolve any potential summer transfer.
Tensions have escalated since Alvarez publicly declared his wish to leave the Spanish La Liga outfit during the World Cup to fulfill his career goals. "I try to be an honest person," Alvarez said while representing his nation. "I spoke with the people at Atletico Madrid, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream."
Hostility at Villarreal Match
The rift between Alvarez and the club reached a boiling point during Atletico Madrid's 2-2 draw against Villarreal on Sunday. The forward was subjected to intense hostility from home fans, who booed him while warming up and jeered when his name was announced among the substitutes.
When Alvarez entered the pitch as a 66th-minute substitute, the whistles grew louder, with a section of the crowd chanting, "Let him leave once and for all, let him leave." At the full-time whistle, the 26-year-old headed straight to the changing room while his team-mates stayed on the pitch to salute the supporters, drawing another heavy round of boos.
Following the match, Alvarez missed Atletico training on Wednesday after claiming he was ill.
Speaking after Sunday's match, Atletico manager Diego Simeone revealed that keeping Alvarez away from the supporters was a decision made by club staff rather than the player. "The club staff told me that the club decided Julian should not go over with his team-mates to greet the fans, and that it was not Julian's decision," Simeone explained.
"The club made the decision to keep him away and have him head to the dressing room. No, I'm not in a position to give advice to the fans. I think I need to focus on my work, which is to give my best on the sporting side for the good of Atletico Madrid," Simeone added. "The only thing I know is that if Atletico Madrid wants to win a title, we have to be united. We need forwards, and we need important forwards. For that, of course, we all have to work in that direction to give the team what it needs."
Simeone, an Argentine manager who played as a midfielder, has managed Atletico Madrid since December 2011, leading the club to two La Liga titles and two Europa League trophies.
Joan Laporta Maintains Barcelona Interest
Speaking earlier on Wednesday, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta added further fuel to the fire when he insisted the Catalan side remain desperate to bring in Alvarez, despite reports circulating about him joining Arsenal.
"This whole situation has created a lot of noise," Laporta said. "This is not motivated by actions taken by Barca. It is motivated by the fact that Atletico told us they were not selling (Alvarez). However, it looks like, from what we hear now, they are trying to reach agreements with other clubs."
"We approach them to see if they want to sell one of their players. When they tell us they don't sell, we let it go. But in this case, there are special circumstances that have been made aware that Atletico de Madrid want to sell the player to other clubs," Laporta continued. "With this context, our interest and offer for the player remains up until the end of the window, in case Atletico de Madrid want to sell the player. We are very interested in buying Julian Alvarez."
Laporta serves as president of Barcelona, a five-time European Cup champion based in Catalonia, Spain. Barcelona maintain a long-standing rivalry with both Madrid clubs in La Liga.
With just days left of the transfer window, Atletico Madrid remain steadfast in blocking any sale to Barcelona while leaving the door open for Arsenal to secure the striker's signature.
