Atletico Madrid have made it crystal clear that they will not sit down with Barcelona to discuss a transfer for striker Julian Alvarez, who is reportedly weighing a move to Arsenal. The Argentine forward missed training on Wednesday and Thursday after a rough night’s sleep left him feeling unwell, but the club insists his absence had nothing to do with any transfer speculation.
Alvarez, 26, has publicly expressed a desire to join Barcelona, a wish that was reiterated on Wednesday when club president Joan Laporta spoke about the potential signing in a televised interview. Despite Barcelona’s enthusiasm, Atletico’s top brass have taken a firm stance, declaring they will not negotiate with the Catalan giants under any circumstances. In a candid interview with Movistar, Atletico’s chief executive Miguel Angel Gil said, “My personal dream is for Julian Alvarez to stay at Atleti.
If he decides to leave, we will look for an alternative, but we will never, ever, ever let him go to Barcelona.” He added that Alvarez’s health had been compromised and that “people have taken it upon themselves to mislead and confuse him,” describing the situation as “difficult” for the player. Gil’s remarks followed a club statement that condemned Barcelona’s approach as lacking professionalism, ethics and respect. The statement read: “Atletico de Madrid is open to standard transfer‑market negotiations when they are conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner. We fully stand behind the club’s previously communicated position that FC Barcelona failed to meet these requirements and, as a result, there will be no negotiation and zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona.” Spain’s leading sports daily Marca had earlier published on‑record quotes from Atletico officials, who felt they were being portrayed as the victims.
They claimed Barcelona had caused both financial and reputational damage, stressing that “there is a zero‑percent chance of selling him to Barcelona – it’s not about money, it’s about dignity.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked about his side’s interest in the former Manchester City attacker, but he dodged a direct answer. When pressed about whether the speculation might be unsettling his squad, Arteta replied, “Very simple. Whatever you read, if you have a question, come and knock on my door and I’ll tell you whether it’s true or not. A player can read all the rumors we’ve had in the last three months and we could fill a catalogue of names on the walls.
They know there’s a lot of speculation. If they ever doubt what we think about them, I’m honest: ‘These are the plans, we still believe in you, but competition will increase.’ I prefer to be transparent.” From Arsenal’s perspective, nothing has fundamentally changed. The Gunners still view a Alvarez signing as unlikely before the transfer window closes, unless the player himself pushes for a move and forces Atletico’s hand. There is an ongoing dialogue between Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, a relationship that dates back to their days together at the Spanish club and remains close.
Meanwhile, Atletico are already preparing contingency plans. They have identified potential replacements, including Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres, whom they are quietly scouting to gauge Arsenal’s willingness to let the Swedish striker go. They also had an eye on Nicolas Jackson, but he is now set to join Aston Villa.
The next 24‑48 hours are being described as pivotal for deciding Alvarez’s future. He must choose whether to stay in Madrid, regain the trust of the fans and re‑establish his place at the club, or push for an exit.
Atletico do not want the saga to drag on until the final day of the window, fearing it could destabilise the squad. Atletico analyst and journalist Rubén Uría labeled the atmosphere around the striker’s future as "extremely tense." Alvarez’s public wish to leave has already made him unpopular with the home supporters, who booed him off the pitch after a 2‑2 draw with Villarreal. Uría believes Alvarez now faces two clear options: "Either you go to London, or you stay.
We will never negotiate with Barcelona. It’s a clear message from the club’s majority shareholder, Apollo, one of the world’s biggest private‑equity funds. The choice is yours, Julian: London or Madrid." South American football pundit Tim Vickery, speaking on Sky Sports News, added his perspective: "It’s up to Atletico.
They can keep a player who doesn’t want to be there, or they can cash in. They won’t sell to Barcelona or Real Madrid, so the Premier League is the realistic market. Arsenal could offer a great narrative – imagine him playing in the Champions League with the Gunners. Depending on the contract, Arsenal could even be a stepping stone to Barcelona later.
The fans would likely welcome him back if he returns to Atletico. He’s a wonderful striker with the soul of a midfielder." In summary, the situation is a classic tug‑of‑war between a club determined to protect its dignity, a player eager for a fresh challenge, and two of Europe’s biggest clubs each hoping to secure his signature. Barcelona’s overtures have been rebuffed, Arsenal remain cautiously interested, and Atletico are preparing backup plans while urging Alvarez to make a decisive choice.
The next couple of days will likely determine whether Julian Alvarez’s next chapter unfolds in London’s Premier League or remains in the heart of Madrid’s La Liga.