Atlético Madrid slams door shut on Barcelona for Julian Alvarez: "0% chance"

Atlético Madrid gave FC Barcelona a categorical rejection in the Julian Alvarez case, stating Wednesday that there is “0% chance” of ceding the Argentine striker to the Catalan club before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st.

The day had begun with a verbal offensive from Barcelona president Joan Laporta. At a press conference, he confirmed having submitted an official offer to the Colchoneros: “We are very interested in the player and we want our offer to be accepted, while showing the greatest respect to Atlético Madrid. We want them to know that, if they are willing to sell during this summer transfer period, we are ready to buy the player in accordance with the offer we have presented to them.” Laporta also lamented that Madrid president Miguel Ángel Gil Marín is only allowing Arsenal to negotiate for the transfer of the 2022 World Cup winner.

Atlético’s response, relayed by newspaper Marca via sources close to the club, was immediate and unambiguous. “The player is being presented as a victim, but the only victim of the Julián affair is us,” they stated. “They have caused us economic and social harm. There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation is not a matter of money, but a matter of dignity. A campaign of lies and half-truths has been orchestrated. Only Atlético is suffering the consequences.”

The tone used by the Madrid club reflects a deep breakdown of trust with Barcelona, far beyond a simple financial disagreement. By pointing to a breach of their “dignity” rather than their valuation of the player, Atlético’s executives are signaling that the matter is closed on substance, regardless of any possible counter-offer.

With the transfer window closing in a few days, the chances of seeing Julian Alvarez join Catalonia this summer now seem non-existent. Arsenal, the only club authorized to negotiate according to Laporta, remains the main credible contender for a possible sale of the Argentine international.