Atletico Madrid rule out Barcelona move for Julian Alvarez in fierce response to Joan Laporta

Atletico Madrid have said there is a “0%” chance of Julian Alvarez joining Barcelona, responding angrily to comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta about the club’s determination to sign the Argentina forward this summer.

The Madrid club accused Barcelona of causing it “economic and social damage” and said the dispute was an issue of dignity rather than money. Atletico also confirmed they would update a complaint they had previously submitted to include everything Barcelona had done in relation to Alvarez.

In a statement published by Marca, Atletico said: “Julian Alvarez is being portrayed as the victim, but the only victim in Julian’s case is us.”

The statement continued: “They have caused us economic and social damage. There is a 0% possibility of selling him to Barcelona.”

“This case is not about money, but about dignity,” Atletico added.

“A campaign containing many lies and half-truths has been launched. Atletico Madrid is the only party paying the price for it.”

The development came about an hour after Laporta reiterated Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez in an interview with the club’s television channel.

“We are very interested in signing Julian Alvarez and we would like Atletico to accept our offer, with every respect to them,” Laporta said.

“If they are prepared to sell Alvarez during the summer transfer window, we are ready to sign him according to the offer we have made.”

Laporta also said Barcelona’s proposal would remain available until the transfer window closes. The summer transfer window in Spain is due to shut on Tuesday.

Barcelona have received notification from FIFA regarding Atletico’s complaint over the proposed deal, according to the information in the report.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was asked about the Argentina international at a news conference on Wednesday but declined to discuss a potential move.

“I do not want to talk about Julian Alvarez, but I want to talk about the situation at the club. We have made some very good signings,” Flick said.

“The club has to think about the future. As a coach, I ask for the best and for more, but in the end it may work or it may not.”

He added: “I have great confidence in the team, and we have to manage things and find solutions for some matches.”

Alvarez’s absence from Atletico training on Wednesday morning added to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Sport reported that the Argentina forward missed the session because of illness after suffering a health problem during the night.

The player is reported to want a move to Barcelona, although Atletico have refused to negotiate with the Catalan club. The forward’s future has remained unclear despite his current contract with Atletico running until 2030.

The Athletic reported that Atletico would consider offers of 150m euros for Alvarez. The forward came on as a substitute in Atletico’s match against Villarreal on Sunday, entering in the 66th minute for his first appearance from the bench since the start of the season.

A source inside Atletico told The Athletic: “Real Madrid’s offer was not serious, and the club will not sell its player to its rivals Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

The source added: “Atletico Madrid would not object to approving his move to Arsenal, provided an offer of 150m euros is made.”

Alvarez has been linked with Barcelona throughout the current transfer window and reportedly does not want to continue with Atletico Madrid. The club’s management rejected his request, insisting that he remains under contract until 2030.

He also missed Atletico’s opening-round match, in which they secured an important 2-0 victory over Malaga.