Atlético Madrid have categorically confirmed that they will not sell Argentine striker Julián Álvarez to Barcelona, following weeks of tension and continued attempts by the Catalan club to complete a deal.
In an official statement, Atlético said the board of directors had unanimously backed the decision not to enter negotiations with Barcelona, stressing that a transfer to the Catalan club was ‘not under consideration at all’.
The dispute began when Álvarez expressed his wish to leave Atlético and fulfil his dream of playing for Barcelona, despite the club’s determination to keep him and refusal to strengthen a domestic rival.
The striker’s stance angered Atlético supporters, who greeted him with boos and hostile chants when he appeared against Villarreal in his first match since making his position public.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Wednesday that his club would continue trying to sign Álvarez. He insisted that Barcelona respected Atlético, expressed hope that their offer would be accepted and suggested the Madrid club were negotiating with other parties.
Atlético responded by saying that transfer talks can take place only in a professional, ethical and respectful manner, and that Barcelona had failed to meet those standards. The club also said it trusted Álvarez to understand the decision and refocus on helping the team.
Arsenal remain a possible alternative destination for the Argentine, with the English club expected to consider a formal offer. Atlético could be willing to discuss a move to London if the package reaches around €150 million.
