Julian Alvarez has revealed he wants to leave Atletico Madrid, putting the club on high alert with clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain interested in signing him.
Julian Alvarez is Arsenal’s player to watch (Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Arsenal have been given a major boost in the race to sign Julián Alvarez as Atlético Madrid refuse to sell him to Barcelona. Alvarez, 26, made the bombshell on Monday after Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, announcing his desire to leave Atlético this summer.
The striker has been Barca’s number one target since Robert Lewandowski’s departure was confirmed, but their initial bid of £87 million was flatly rejected. Atlético followed this up with a series of angry posts on social media, accusing Barcelona of “calculated leaks, fake news and constant disrespect”.
Real Madrid also made an ambitious offer of £129 million, but this was rejected. Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported that Atlético flatly refuse to sell him to Barcelona.
Diego Simeone’s side plan to address the former Manchester City star’s future after the World Cup. If Alvarez still wants to leave, Atletico could consider selling him to Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.
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It has been claimed elsewhere that Atletico are interested in Arsenal striker Victor Gokeres. This could result in a swap deal, giving the Gunners an advantage over PSG.
Alvarez remained mum about his future until Monday. “I want to make my dreams come true,” the 24-year-old told reporters. I talked to people at the club that I needed to talk to. The best thing for my future is a transfer. ”
In response, Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín expressed disappointment with Alvarez’s comments and confirmed that Atlético would lodge a complaint with FIFA regarding Barcelona. “It was not the right day to make such a statement. Today was a day for (Lionel) Messi and the Argentina national team, not for Julian,” Gilles Marin told EFE.
“Julian has a dream (to sign for another country), but we Atlético fans also have a dream. It is true that he has told us, but we have also made it clear, that he is fully aware of our position. Atleti do not want to transfer him. He is a great player and we are very proud that he plays for us.”
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Julián Álvarez wants to leave Atlético Madrid (Image: Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Gilles Marin went on to claim that “Barça look down on us. They think they can trample on us and that we are weak and stupid, but in reality they are showing the world the way of behavior that characterizes them.”
“They lie to us, the players, the media… They even lie to their own supporters. They try to make everyone believe they can do deals that they can’t actually do.
“This is not the first time Barça have acted like this, and the world of football is well aware of it. Last year, Barça did something very similar against Nico Williams and the Athletic Club.
“Our responsibility is to protect Atlético Madrid’s interests, so we will lodge a complaint with FIFA against Barça for negotiating with a player who is under contract during his protection period.”
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