Atlético Madrid blocks Julian Alvarez move as Barcelona, Arsenal vie

Atlético Madrid has set an August 10 deadline for Julian Alvarez to report for pre‑season and has reiterated that the Argentine striker will not be sold, rejecting offers of €100 million, €150 million and even €200 million. CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín told Barcelona president Joan Laporta to stop insisting, emphasizing the club’s commitment to retain Alvarez despite his public desire to leave.

Barcelona has made a €100‑million bid and is preparing a €130‑million final offer, but Atlético says the player is “untouchable” and has filed a formal complaint with FIFA over alleged improper negotiations. Meanwhile, Arsenal reportedly reached a pre‑agreement to acquire Alvarez, offering €50 million plus striker Viktor Gyökeres, yet the player has refused to negotiate, insisting his preferred destination remains Barcelona.

The transfer saga has also split opinions within Barcelona’s dressing room, with several senior players reportedly opposed to a costly €150‑million signing. The impasse continues as the summer window progresses.