Atletico Madrid Rules Out Julian Alvarez Sale to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid have ruled out negotiating with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez before the transfer deadline, escalating a public dispute between the Spanish clubs. The Guardian reported that Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said the Argentina forward would not be transferred to their La Liga rivals under any circumstances.

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Gil Marin was responding to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who said on Wednesday that his club remained very interested in signing Alvarez. Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus on Thursday, the Atletico executive accused Barcelona of dishonesty and said he had the backing of shareholders and directors for the club's refusal to enter talks.

Atletico's board had earlier unanimously supported that position and said there was no consideration being given to a Barcelona transfer before the summer window closes. Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste criticized Gil Marin's comments in his own interview with Movistar, calling them disrespectful and saying Atletico had crossed a line.

The dispute follows a difficult period for Alvarez at Atletico. He was booed by sections of the home support during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal after previously expressing a desire to leave. While on World Cup duty with Argentina during the summer, the 26-year-old said he wanted to fulfil his ambition of moving away from the Madrid club.

Gil Marin said Atletico's preferred outcome was still for Alvarez to remain with the team. He described the former Manchester City forward as an important player and a strong professional, while acknowledging that the player was going through a difficult period. If Alvarez decides staying is no longer feasible, Gil Marin said Atletico would seek another solution, but not one involving Barcelona.

Arsenal have also been linked with Alvarez, although the report did not indicate that Atletico had received or accepted an offer from the Premier League club. Gil Marin's comments therefore leave the forward's broader future unresolved while drawing a firm boundary around Barcelona. The transfer window is due to close on Tuesday, giving Atletico and Alvarez limited time to determine whether he will stay or pursue an alternative move.