Top News

Atletico Madrid have insisted there is “zero per cent chance” of Julian Alvarez being sold to Barcelona this summer and say they are “the only victims” in the long-running transfer saga.

The 26-year-old forward has made it clear he wants to join Barcelona, but Arsenal are still keeping a close watch on developments and could yet try to strike a late deal for the Argentina international.

It is understood that Atletico want Alvarez’s future resolved by Friday. The striker was booed after coming on as a substitute in Atletico’s draw against Villarreal on Sunday night and reportedly missed training on Wednesday, with the club attributing that absence to “illness”.

Atletico have maintained throughout the summer that they do not want to sell Alvarez, whose contract runs until 2030. It was reported earlier on Wednesday that Atletico could be prepared to consider offers of around €150m (£128m), although they do not believe Barcelona have the finances to meet that figure.

After Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club’s interest in Alvarez and called on Atletico to accept their offer, Atletico responded with an angry statement on Wednesday accusing Barcelona and Alvarez’s representatives of conducting a “campaign of lies and half-truths”.

“The player is being portrayed as a victim, but the only victims in the Julian case are us,” Atletico told Spanish outlet Marca. “They have harmed us economically and socially. There is zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca.”

Marca reported that Atletico believe the Alvarez saga “is not about money, it is about dignity”. The club added: “A campaign has been created with many lies and half-truths. The only one who pays for this is Atletico.”

There is one week left before the transfer deadline shuts, and so far Barcelona’s only offer for Alvarez has been €100m (£86m). Atletico want Alvarez available and fit for their LaLiga trip to Sevilla on Saturday evening.

Arsenal are continuing to work on a move for Alvarez despite understanding that the player’s preference is Barcelona. They believe Atletico could still agree to sell him if a suitable offer arrives before the end of the week.

It was also reported that Arsenal could include another forward in any potential deal with Atletico, such as Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus, with Mikel Arteta keen to shape his attack around the former Manchester City forward.