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Atletico Madrid CEO shuts down Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez: ‘Rejected €100m, won’t accept €150m or €200m’
Rohan Mehta | July 18, 2026 1:35 AM CST

Atletico Madrid’s Chief Executive Officer, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has firmly ruled out any possibility of Julián Álvarez leaving the club, declaring that the Argentine striker is not for sale under any conditions despite ongoing rumours linking him with FC Barcelona.

In an interview with Atletico Madrid’s official media channels, Gil Marin discussed several matters concerning the club, but his most forceful remarks focused on Álvarez’s future.

The Argentine forward drew attention earlier this summer when, during the World Cup, he spoke about his desire to “fulfil a dream” — comments widely interpreted as a hint towards joining Barcelona, although he never explicitly mentioned the Catalan side.

Throughout the ongoing transfer speculation, Atletico’s stance has remained unwavering. According to Gil Marin, the club has already communicated its position to Álvarez, his representatives, and Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

“My opinion is clear, the club’s will is clear; we have made this clear to the player, his agent, and to the president of Barça,” he said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

He further added, “I have no doubt that Atletico is the best place in the world for Julián, and Julián is the ideal striker for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him.”

Gil Marin also responded to Laporta’s recent comments suggesting that Barcelona’s offer for Álvarez would not remain valid indefinitely.

In a strong reply, he stated, “I simply heard some remarks from the president (Laporta) saying that his offer wasn’t open-ended. Our response is that our stance is indeed open-ended; we don’t want to transfer him.”

He made Atletico’s position even clearer, saying, “We didn’t accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million.”

Atletico Madrid have repeatedly emphasised their firm position. Álvarez, who is under contract until 2030 with a €500 million release clause, is regarded as an untouchable asset by the club.

Gil Marin’s comments came just hours after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo also reaffirmed that the club has no intention of selling Álvarez despite Barcelona’s persistent interest.

Given Atletico’s resolute stance, it remains to be seen whether the Blaugrana will now turn their attention elsewhere in search of attacking reinforcements.


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