Atletico Madrid have hardened their stance over Julian Alvarez, ruling out a sale to Barcelona as tensions between the two Spanish clubs continue to rise ahead of the transfer deadline.
Barcelona remain determined to pursue the Argentina international and still consider their €100m (£85.7m) proposal active. Atletico, however, have made clear that they have no intention of allowing the 26-year-old to join their La Liga rivals, regardless of the financial terms.
The dispute has escalated after Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly reiterated the club’s interest in Alvarez. Atletico responded angrily, arguing that the continuing speculation has damaged the club both financially and reputationally.
Alvarez was absent from Atletico training on Wednesday, with reports indicating that illness was the reason. His absence came only days after a difficult appearance against Villarreal, when sections of the home support jeered him.
The former Manchester City forward began Sunday’s match on the bench and received boos while warming up. The reaction intensified when he entered the game in the 66th minute. After the final whistle, Alvarez went directly to the dressing room instead of joining his team-mates in acknowledging the supporters.
Diego Simeone later indicated that the early departure from the pitch had been arranged by the club rather than being an individual decision by Alvarez.
Barcelona are expected to continue testing Atletico’s position until the window closes on 1 September. The Catalan club view Alvarez as a long-term attacking option following Robert Lewandowski’s departure this summer.
Arsenal are also monitoring the situation and have identified Alvarez as an elite target for their attack. The Premier League club have so far avoided becoming directly involved in the increasingly public dispute between Atletico and Barcelona, while assessing whether a late opportunity could emerge.
However, Alvarez is understood to prefer remaining in Spain, which complicates Arsenal’s chances of completing a deal before the deadline.
Barcelona’s interest dates back to May, when reports first emerged that they had opened discussions over a potential transfer. Atletico immediately rejected the possibility and repeatedly used their social media channels to dismiss the speculation.
The forward’s future became even more uncertain during the summer when Real Madrid entered the picture. Atletico rejected a €150m (£130m) proposal from their city rivals in June, with Alvarez protected by a €500m (£430m) release clause.
Despite Atletico’s consistent public position that the striker would not be sold, Alvarez later suggested while on international duty with Argentina that a transfer could be the best outcome. His comments reinforced the belief that the player himself was prepared to consider leaving Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain were also linked with Alvarez during that period, although Barcelona have remained the most persistent suitors.
Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has previously underlined the club’s determination to keep the World Cup winner, indicating that even an offer approaching €200m would not automatically change their position.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 and has since become one of the club’s most valuable assets. With Barcelona continuing their pursuit, Arsenal waiting for an opening and Atletico refusing to soften their stance, his future is set to remain one of the defining transfer stories of the final days of the summer window.