Atletico Madrid have ruled out any negotiations with Barcelona over the potential transfer of striker Julian Alvarez, hardening their stance against the Spanish champions.
The Atletico board unanimously backed the club’s decision not to discuss a deal with Barcelona for the 26-year-old Argentina international. However, the club said it remains open to approaches from other teams, with Arsenal recently linked with the forward.
“There has not been and there will not be any negotiation with them regarding Alvarez’s transfer,” Atletico said in a statement.
The club added that it remains willing to conduct transfer business “in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs”, but said Barcelona had not met those standards. Atletico did not provide further details.
Atletico had previously reported Barcelona to FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation over their pursuit of Alvarez.
The Rojiblancos said they are confident Alvarez will accept the decision and refocus on helping the club meet its objectives.
Alvarez missed training for a second consecutive day on Wednesday because of a reported illness. He was jeered by Atletico supporters during Sunday’s 2-2 LaLiga draw against Villarreal.
The former Manchester City striker said during July’s World Cup that a transfer would be “best” for everyone.
Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin later claimed that Alvarez had been misled during the saga.
“Julian is not doing well, because there are people that have been out to trick him, to confuse him,” Gil Marin told Movistar. “We are not going to negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances.”
Atletico’s statement followed comments from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who said the club remained hopeful of completing a deal before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona are reportedly maintaining an offer worth around €100 million (£86m/$116m) for Alvarez, who has become their leading attacking target following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth up to €95 million (£82m/$111m).
