Atlético Madrid have delivered a firm response to Barcelona president Joan Laporta's renewed comments about Julián Álvarez, insisting there is a “0% chance” of the Argentine striker joining Barça this summer.
Laporta had publicly confirmed that Barcelona remain interested in Álvarez and said the club would be ready to sign him if Atlético were willing to accept their offer.
Atlético have now responded forcefully, telling Marca that the situation is no longer simply about the transfer fee.
“There is a 0% chance of selling Julián Álvarez to Barcelona.”
Atlético Say They Are the Victims
In their statement, Atlético claimed that Álvarez has been portrayed as the victim of the ongoing transfer dispute, but argued that the club itself has suffered the most from the situation.
“The player is being victimized, but the only victim of the Julián case is us.”
The Madrid club also accused the situation of causing both economic and social damage, while strongly rejecting suggestions that a larger offer from Barcelona could resolve the dispute.
“This situation is not about money, it's about dignity.”
Atlético further alleged that a campaign involving “lies and half-truths” has harmed the club, insisting that they are the ones paying the price for the controversy.
Barcelona Still Want Álvarez
The Atlético statement comes only moments after Laporta reiterated Barcelona's desire to sign the 26 year old forward.
The Barça president said the club's offer remains available if Atlético decide they are prepared to negotiate, while also stressing his respect for Atlético's leadership.
Laporta also revealed that he personally contacted Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín to reaffirm Barcelona's proposal.
That position, however, appears to have done little to soften Atlético's stance.
The Madrid club has consistently resisted selling Álvarez to Barcelona, particularly with the two clubs competing directly in La Liga and Europe.
Álvarez is under contract with Atlético until 2030 and has a reported €500 million release clause.
Álvarez Saga Reaches a Critical Point
The situation surrounding Álvarez has become increasingly tense.
The striker has reportedly wanted to leave Atlético, with Barcelona initially his preferred destination.
Atlético supporters have also expressed their frustration, while the club has maintained that they want to keep the Argentine forward.
With Barcelona still interested but Atlético now publicly declaring that there is no possibility of selling Álvarez to Barça, the transfer appears increasingly difficult to complete.
Other clubs, including Arsenal, have also been linked with the striker, meaning the final days of the transfer window could still produce another twist.
For now, Atlético's message is unmistakable...
Barcelona may want Julián Álvarez, but Atlético Madrid insists they will not sell him to Barça.