Julian Alvarez returns to Atletico Madrid training amid Barcelona interest

Julian Alvarez has returned to Atletico de Madrid training after missing the previous four days because of illness, as speculation continues over a possible move to FC Barcelona before the Spanish summer transfer window closes on Tuesday.

The Argentina striker has been one of the main names in the final stages of this summer’s transfer window. FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly confirmed his club’s interest in signing Alvarez, but Atletico de Madrid has rejected the possibility of negotiating his departure.

Atletico’s board has unanimously backed the club’s decision not to discuss a transfer with FC Barcelona.

In a statement, the club said: “The members of the Atletico de Madrid board of directors unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barcelona.”

It added: “The board members understand that Atletico de Madrid is open to the usual negotiations that take place in the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner, with respect between clubs.”

The statement continued: “We fully support the club’s position, which it has already announced, stating that Barcelona has not met these requirements. As a result, there will be no negotiations, and there is absolutely no consideration of Alvarez’s transfer to Barcelona.”

Atletico also said it believed the player would accept the decision and remain focused on helping the club achieve its aims.

“Atletico de Madrid is convinced that its player will understand the decision and will focus on working in the best possible way to help the club achieve its objectives, as he has already done during the two seasons in which he has worn the club’s colours,” it said.

The statement followed a strongly worded response from Atletico to comments made by Laporta on Wednesday about FC Barcelona’s determination to sign the Argentina international.

Spanish newspaper Marca published Atletico’s statement around an hour after Laporta spoke about Alvarez. The club said it believed it had been harmed by the way the situation had developed.

“Julian Alvarez is being portrayed as the victim, but the only victim in the Julian case is us,” Atletico said.

“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,” the statement added.

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

Atletico said it would update a complaint it had previously submitted so that it covered everything FC Barcelona had done in relation to the matter.

FC Barcelona has been notified by FIFA about Atletico’s complaint concerning the proposed Alvarez transfer.

Laporta had earlier told the club’s television channel: “We are very interested in signing Julian Alvarez, and we would like Atletico to accept our offer, with full respect for them.”

He also said: “If they are prepared to sell Alvarez during the summer transfer window, we are ready to sign him in accordance with the offer we have made.”

Laporta confirmed that FC Barcelona’s offer would remain on the table until the end of the summer transfer window. The window in Spain closes on Tuesday.