Real Madrid Offers €150M for Julian Alvarez, Atlético Refuses

Real Madrid submitted a €150 million offer to Atlético Madrid for the transfer of Julian Alvarez, the merengue club announced in an official statement. Atlético refused, stating that the amount did not match the release clause of the Argentine international.

The identity of the target ends weeks of speculation. During his campaign for the Real Madrid presidency, Florentino Perez had promised a record offer for a top-tier striker, describing “a player who projects from midfield to attack” and comparing him to Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaká. The Madrid press had initially cited Vitinha and Joao Neves before the profile seemed to point toward Michael Olise. It is ultimately Julian Alvarez, recruited by Atlético last summer from Manchester City, who is being targeted.

In its statement, Real Madrid clarified: “After examining and evaluating the offer, Atlético Madrid expressed its gratitude, emphasizing that it was part of the positive relations between the two clubs, but rejected it, citing the player’s release clause.” The exact amount of this clause has not been made public by Atlético.

The move raises a tactical question: Julian Alvarez plays primarily as a centre-forward, a position occupied by Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid. The Argentine striker is also being followed by FC Barcelona, which is seeking a successor to Robert Lewandowski.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will submit a new proposal, increased to meet the release clause, or turn to another target to strengthen its attack.