Atletico chief vows Alvarez will 'never, ever' go to Barcelona as Arsenal deadline looms

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has declared that Julian Alvarez will “never, ever” be sold to Barcelona, accusing their Spanish rivals of dishonesty and a lack of professionalism — and in doing so, leaving Arsenal as the most credible destination for the Argentina forward before the transfer window closes.

Gil Marin made the remarks after Thursday’s Champions League league-phase draw in Monaco, telling Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus: “To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Julian is one. If he believes that staying at Atletico Madrid is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”

The row between the two Spanish clubs has escalated sharply over recent days. Alvarez had made clear earlier this summer that he wanted to join Barcelona, but Atletico have since set a Friday deadline for his future to be resolved, with the forward missing consecutive training sessions this week. He was also booed by Atletico supporters during their draw with Villarreal on Sunday.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Wednesday that his club remained interested in Alvarez despite Atletico’s stance. Atletico responded with a statement confirming there was a “zero per cent chance” of the move happening, and Gil Marin reinforced that position in unambiguous terms.

“The truth is that it outrages us even more,” he said. “We are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. The player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, are hopeful of reaching a late agreement with Atletico for Alvarez. Manager Mikel Arteta is seeking a marquee attacking signing to strengthen their title defence, though the club have yet to submit a formal offer. Gil Marin’s comments effectively open the door for Arsenal — or another non-Barcelona club — to declare their interest before the deadline.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atletico,” Gil Marin added, acknowledging that the situation may ultimately be out of his hands if Alvarez refuses to commit to the club.