Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid rule out talks with Barcelona over Argentina striker

Atletico Madrid have ruled out negotiating with Barcelona over a possible transfer for Julian Alvarez, despite Barca president Joan Laporta publicly confirming his club’s interest in the Argentina striker.

The Atletico board said it had unanimously backed the club’s decision not to discuss a move to Barcelona, insisting that the Catalan club had not met the requirements previously set out by Atletico.

“Atletico Madrid’s board members have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Barcelona,” the club said.

“Atletico Madrid understands that it 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.”

“We fully support the club’s position, which has already been 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 moving to Barcelona.”

The Madrid club added that it believed Alvarez would understand the decision and continue working to help Atletico achieve their objectives, as he had done during his two seasons with the club.

The statement followed comments from Laporta, who said Barcelona remained determined to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

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

“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 offer would remain available until the end of the summer transfer window, which in Spain closes next Tuesday.

Atletico had earlier issued a strongly worded response to Laporta’s remarks. The statement, published by Marca around an hour after the Barcelona president had spoken, said: “Julian Alvarez is being presented as the victim, but the only victim in the Julian case is us.”

“They have caused us economic and social damage. There is a 0% chance of selling him to Barcelona.”

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

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

Atletico said it would update a complaint it had previously submitted to include everything Barcelona had done. Barcelona has also received notification from FIFA concerning Atletico’s complaint over the Alvarez transfer situation.

Alvarez misses training

The uncertainty surrounding Alvarez’s future intensified after he missed Atletico training for a second successive day on Thursday. According to Sport, the forward did not take part in Wednesday’s or Thursday’s sessions because he was ill.

He has been linked with a move to Barcelona during the current transfer window and reportedly does not want to continue his contract with Atletico. The club rejected that request, pointing out that the player remains under contract until 2030.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick declined to discuss the possibility of signing the Argentina international at a news conference on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to talk about Julian Alvarez, 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.”

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

Despite Atletico’s refusal to negotiate with Barcelona or Real Madrid, The Athletic reported that the club would consider an offer of 150m euros for Alvarez.

A source at 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 transfer to Arsenal, provided an offer of 150m euros is made.”

Alvarez came on as a substitute in Atletico’s match against Villarreal on Sunday, entering in the 66th minute for his first appearance since the start of the season. He missed Atletico’s opening-round match, a 2-0 victory over Malaga.