Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez wants to join Barcelona, sparking an intense transfer saga that has drawn a hard line from Atletico executives and kept Arsenal on alert in the final days of the window. According to Sky Sports News, Alvarez missed training on Wednesday due to a stomach bug and a poor night’s sleep, though his future remains the central subject of friction across LaLiga.
Barcelona Pursues Álvarez Amid Executive Tension
Barcelona president Joan Laporta publicly confirmed his club’s pursuit of the 26-year-old forward during an interview with club channels. “The truth is that we’re very interested in the player,” Laporta said, adding that Barcelona hopes their offer will be accepted out of respect for Atletico Madrid.
However, the move faces severe resistance. According to statements given to the Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Atletico officials stated there is a “zero-per-cent chance of selling him to Barcelona,” emphasizing that the stance is rooted in club dignity rather than finances. Atletico sources told Marca that Barcelona has “harmed us both financially and socially.”
Supporters Turn on Álvarez After Villarreal Draw
The friction has spilled over to the stands. During Atletico’s opening LaLiga match against Villarreal, which ended in a 2-2 draw, Alvarez was booed by supporters before, during, and after the fixture. Sections of the crowd chanted for his departure.
According to Atletico expert and journalist Ruben Uría, speaking to Sky Sports News, neither Miguel Gil Marín (CEO of Atlético Madrid) nor the Apollo board intends to sell the forward to their domestic rivals. Uría noted that the public desire to leave expressed by Alvarez has made him profoundly unpopular with the club’s fanbase.
Did You Know?
Julian Alvarez previously rejected a bumper new contract offer from Atletico Madrid in March and declined to meet the club’s June 20 deadline for a summer move, according to reporting from Marca.
Arsenal Maintains Interest Despite Player’s Stance
While Barcelona remains the player’s preferred destination, Arsenal continues to monitor the situation. According to Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has remained in contact with his former Atletico employers.
The Gunners are reportedly prepared to break their transfer record, the £105m paid out for Declan Rice three summers ago, to secure Alvarez. Yet, senior reporting indicates the Argentine currently does not want to move to London, leaving his immediate future unresolved with just six days remaining in the transfer window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t Atletico Madrid sell Julián Álvarez to Barcelona?
Atletico Madrid executives stated there is a zero-per-cent chance of selling him to Barcelona. The refusal stems from animosity between the clubs following past deals, alongside club officials insisting the choice prioritizes honor over financial gain rather than simply because they are competitors.
How much would Arsenal have to pay to sign Álvarez?
To secure his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are ready to surpass the £105m club-record fee previously spent on Declan Rice three summers ago, though sources state the forward currently prefers not to relocate to the English capital.
Why was Julián Álvarez booed by Atletico fans?
Supporters jeered Alvarez during a 2-2 draw against Villarreal following his public desire to leave the club, which made him so unpopular with supporters that he was booed off.
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