Atletico Madrid chief executive Gil Marin stated that the club will "never" negotiate with FC Barcelona for striker Julian Alvarez, following what he described as "disgust" with their pursuit of the player. Alvarez has reportedly missed two days of training due to illness after Atletico refused to engage with Barcelona, the club he is understood to prefer as his next destination.
In an interview with Spanish media, Marin emphasized Atletico's desire for Alvarez to remain with the club to compete at the highest level. However, he acknowledged that if the player wishes to leave Madrid, Atletico will seek a resolution, but explicitly ruled out any deal with Barcelona. Marin accused unspecified individuals of deceiving and confusing Alvarez, leading to his current "difficult situation" and stated the club's firm decision not to negotiate with Barcelona.
Arsenal have reportedly expressed significant interest in signing Alvarez and have made their willingness to meet his reported £128 million release clause clear. Representatives from the Premier League club spoke with Atletico's sporting director Mateu Alemany in London last Thursday to reiterate their position.
Alvarez's uncertainty about a move back to England, with Barcelona being his sole focus, has been the primary obstacle. With Barcelona now out of the running according to Atletico's stance, Alvarez must now decide whether to continue at Atletico Madrid or consider a transfer to the Premier League champions.