Atletico Madrid rule out Julian Alvarez sale amid Barcelona interest

Atlético Madrid have ruled out selling Julian Alvarez this summer despite reported interest from Barcelona and other European giants, with coach Diego Simeone insisting the Argentina forward remains central to the club’s plans.

Atlético’s position comes after the Spanish club reportedly filed a complaint with FIFA in July accusing Barcelona of approaching Alvarez without permission.

The 26-year-old has also attracted interest from Premier League champions Arsenal and was the subject of a rejected €150 million ($173.4 million) offer from Real Madrid in June.

Read Also: Barcelona plan record €150m Alvarez bid

However, Atlético chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has made it clear that the club has no intention of sanctioning Alvarez’s departure.

“We don’t want to transfer him. We didn’t accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one for €150 million or €200 million,” Gil Marin told the club’s in-house media channel.

“I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place for Julian and that Julian is the centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him.”

Simeone backs Alvarez

Simeone echoed the club’s position ahead of Atlético’s pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, insisting the club remains delighted to have the former Manchester City striker.

“I think the situation is very clear. The club has made a decision that Miguel Angel has explained very well,” Simeone told reporters.

“From a sporting perspective, we’re very happy to have a footballer like Julian.

“We will help him continue to grow, continue to improve and continue delivering the best — which has been a tremendous amount — that he has given us over the last two years.”

Alvarez is expected to rejoin Atlético’s squad after taking a break following Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.

During his time with Argentina, Alvarez suggested that a transfer could be beneficial for all parties, although he stopped short of revealing his preferred destination.

The forward has scored 49 goals for Atlético since joining the Madrid club from Manchester City two years ago.

Barcelona’s interest creates tension

Barcelona’s reported interest has added another layer to the transfer saga, with Atlético taking the unusual step of approaching FIFA over the Catalan club’s alleged conduct.

Despite the speculation, Simeone believes Alvarez can move beyond the transfer controversy and regain the full support of Atlético fans.

The Argentine manager pointed to Antoine Griezmann as an example of a player who overcame a difficult relationship with supporters after leaving Atlético for Barcelona before eventually returning to Madrid.

“We went through a period with Antoine in recent years where he had to leave, come back, and prove his quality and stature on the pitch,” Simeone said.

“I see no other path than focusing on the sporting side of things, doing our part and helping him, just as we have done over the last few years.”

Atlético finished fourth in La Liga last season, 25 points behind champions Barcelona, and will begin their new campaign against newly promoted Malaga on August 19.