Atletico Madrid have vehemently denied reports of a €100 million bid from Barcelona for forward Julian Alvarez, accusing the player’s agents of orchestrating a destabilising campaign. The dispute arose after Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday morning that Barcelona had submitted an official proposal following claims Alvarez had requested a departure from the Spanish capital.
Atletico responded with a strong statement to MARCA, asserting that the reports are “another lie” and part of a “pre-arranged campaign” led by Alvarez’s representatives. While the club were quick to defend Alvarez’s professionalism and behaviour, they accused his agents of deliberately creating disruption. “We are tired of months of lies,” the statement read, adding that Alvarez had “behaved impeccably” both on and off the pitch.
The La Liga side have consistently maintained that Alvarez is not for sale, and would not consider any offer, expressing frustration at leaks originating from Barcelona and the player’s camp. This stance comes despite Barcelona identifying Alvarez as a key target, particularly following the impending arrival of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for a reported €80 million.
Romano clarified that, due to the strained relationship between the clubs, intermediaries are managing the potential deal. He stated that Barcelona have initiated “official conversation” through these intermediaries, with the player’s agent also involved. However, Romano also indicated that Atletico are unwilling to accept €100 million for Alvarez, suggesting Barcelona will need to increase their offer.
According to Romano, Alvarez has communicated his desire to leave Atletico Madrid to the club, but Atletico believe his value exceeds the initial bid. The situation remains tense, with both clubs publicly signalling their positions. Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in 2022 and has become a key player in their attack, contributing significantly with goals and assists. His current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is €110.7 million, with a range of €99.6 million to €121.7 million.
This transfer saga could have significant implications for both clubs, potentially reshaping their attacking lineups ahead of the next season. Barcelona are clearly prioritising strengthening their forward options, while Atletico are determined to retain a valuable asset.
