Atletico de Madrid reject Barcelona approach for Julian Alvarez as transfer dispute escalates

Atletico de Madrid have firmly ruled out selling Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, with chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisting the Argentina international will not be allowed to join their domestic rivals under any circumstances.

The club’s board unanimously supported the decision to reject any approach from Barcelona after president Joan Laporta again made clear the Catalan club’s interest in the forward. Atletico said there was “zero consideration” of transferring Alvarez to Barcelona.

“The only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” Gil Marin told Movistar Plus.

“You have my word – which is one of the few things I have – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

The comments came after Barcelona’s renewed public interest in the 28-year-old, and have prompted an angry response from the Spanish club’s vice-president Rafa Yuste.

“It is a lack of manners and respect. With those words, they’ve crossed a red line,” said Yuste.

Gil Marin also criticised Barcelona’s conduct, accusing the club of failing to show “ethics, transparency and professionalism” in its pursuit of Alvarez.

The dispute has added to the uncertainty surrounding the player, with Gil Marin saying the ongoing speculation has left the forward confused and under significant pressure.

“Julian is really struggling; there have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I’m very sorry about that,” he said.

“He’s a great professional and footballer, but he’s very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally.”

Despite the tension, Atletico remain hopeful that Alvarez will stay at the club. Gil Marin described retaining the forward as both the club’s intention and his personal ambition, while recognising that the situation could change if the player decides his future lies elsewhere.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico,” he said.

“To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one.”

Atletico would be prepared to explore other options if Alvarez concludes that remaining at the club is no longer possible. However, Gil Marin made it clear that a move to Barcelona would not be considered, regardless of the circumstances.

“If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

The remarks represent the strongest indication yet that Atletico will resist any attempt by Barcelona to sign Alvarez. Gil Marin’s statement also underlines the depth of the disagreement between the two clubs, with Barcelona’s interest having now triggered a public exchange over the manner in which the transfer pursuit has been conducted.

Barcelona have also signed Dominik Livakovic to strengthen their goalkeeping options.