Atletico Madrid have issued a strong statement insisting that Julian Alvarez is not for sale and condemning what they describe as 'months of lies and half-truths' that have linked the striker with Arsenal and Barcelona.
Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 for €95 million (£82 million), has scored 49 goals in two seasons with the Spanish club. However, persistent rumors have suggested he may seek a move to a more 'ambitious project,' with Barcelona reportedly his ideal destination. Arsenal have also been closely monitoring the 26-year-old Argentine as they consider strengthening their attacking options this summer.
Reports have indicated that any deal for Alvarez could cost around €150 million (£130 million). But Atletico, speaking via Spanish outlet Marca, confirmed they have yet to receive any offers and criticized the ongoing speculation.
'There has been no offer for our player or any meeting,' the club stated. 'We are tired of months of lies, half-truths, harassment of our players in mixed zones, and absurd questions that are all part of a pre-arranged campaign. Julian is not for sale. There has been no offer for our player, nor any meeting. It's just agent talk.'
The club also praised Alvarez's professionalism: 'Julian has behaved impeccably at all times, giving his all on the pitch and demonstrating maximum professionalism. We know he didn't cause all this noise – he has always behaved perfectly.'
According to The Athletic, Barcelona are preparing an initial bid of around €100 million (£87 million), which would fall well short of Atletico's reported asking price. Barcelona have already been active in the transfer market, with a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon nearly complete. Gordon has flown to Spain for a medical and is set to sign a five-year contract after a £69 million fee was agreed between the clubs.
Despite signing Gordon, Barcelona are also reportedly interested in making Marcus Rashford's loan move permanent. Rashford spent a productive loan spell with the Spanish champions last season, and Barcelona have the option to sign him from Manchester United for £26 million, though that clause must be activated by June 15.
