Atletico Madrid have made it crystal clear that they will not sit down with Barcelona to discuss a possible transfer for striker Julian Alvarez, who is reportedly weighing a move to Arsenal. The club’s stance comes after a series of events that have heightened the drama surrounding the Argentine forward’s future.
Alvarez missed training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, not because of any transfer talks, but due to illness after a restless night on Tuesday. The 26‑year‑old has publicly expressed a desire to join Barcelona, a club that reiterated its interest in an interview with president Joan Laporta on Wednesday. Despite that, Atletico’s hierarchy has taken a firm public position: they will not engage in any negotiations with the Catalan side regarding Alvarez. In a candid interview with Movistar on Thursday, Atletico’s chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil laid out his personal wish and the club’s policy.
"My personal dream is for Julian Alvarez to stay at Atleti," Gil said. He added that if the player insists on leaving, the club will look for an alternative destination, but Barcelona is absolutely out of the question. "He will never, ever, ever go to Barcelona," Gil emphasized.
He also mentioned that Alvarez is currently unwell and that certain parties have tried to mislead and confuse him, creating a difficult situation for the striker. Gil’s remarks were accompanied by 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 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 not be any negotiation, and there is zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona." Spain’s leading sports newspaper Marca previously published on‑record comments from the club, describing Barcelona as the real victim in the saga. The club claimed that Barcelona’s actions have caused both financial and reputational damage, and reiterated that there is "zero‑percent" chance of selling Alvarez to the Catalans. The reasoning, according to Atletico, is not monetary but a matter of dignity. Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta was asked about the potential interest in the former Manchester City forward, but he declined to give a direct answer.
When pressed about whether his squad might be unsettled by the rumors, Arteta responded: "Very simple. Whatever you read, if you have a question, come and knock on my door, and I will tell you whether it is true or not. Because a player in any position, if they read it, we could put a catalogue on the walls about all the players that we wanted in the last three months, and we would need the whole building. They know that there's so much speculation.
So if ever they feel the doubt of what we think about them, and if we're going to recruit a player, I tell them straight away. And if we're going to sign somebody in their position, I normally tell them. I say: 'These are the plans and the reasons.
We still believe in you, but the competition is going to increase'. I prefer to do it that way." From Arsenal’s perspective, nothing has fundamentally changed. The Gunners still view the signing of Alvarez as unlikely before the transfer window closes, unless the player himself pushes for a move and provides a clear signal that negotiations should begin. There is an ongoing dialogue between Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil, a relationship that dates back to their shared time at Atletico and remains amicable.
Meanwhile, Atletico are already planning for contingencies. They have identified potential replacements, including Arsenal’s Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, whose availability would depend on Arsenal’s willingness to sell. The Spanish side also showed interest in Nicolas Jackson, but the forward is set to join Aston Villa instead.
The next 24 to 48 hours are being described as decisive for Alvarez’s decision‑making. He must choose between staying in Madrid, regaining the support of the fans, and re‑establishing his place at the club, or pursuing an exit. Atletico do not want the saga to drag on until the final day of the window, as prolonged uncertainty could destabilise the squad.
Atletico analyst and journalist Rubén Uría labelled the atmosphere around Alvarez’s future as "extremely tense." The striker’s public desire to leave has already made him unpopular with the home supporters; they even booed him off the pitch after a 2‑2 draw with Villarreal. Uría believes Alvarez now faces two clear options: a move to London or remaining in Madrid. He explained that the club’s public declaration not to negotiate with Barcelona reflects the stance of the entire organization, including its majority shareholder, the private‑equity giant Apollo. "Absolute support.
It's a clear message for Julian: 'Either you go to London, or you stay. We will never negotiate with Barcelona.' It's very clear, Julian decides.
London or staying in Madrid," Uría said. South American football pundit Tim Vickery, speaking on Sky Sports News, offered his perspective on the limited choices for Atletico. "It is up to Atletico.
They have two options: do they want to keep a player who doesn't want to be there? Or do they want to cash in?
Clearly, they wouldn't sell to Barcelona and wouldn't sell to Real Madrid if they were interested. That does not leave them with many options; who else could afford him? The other options are in the Premier League. I'm not sure he was wildly happy during his time in England.
He has got himself in a place where there are not many options. Arsenal would give a fantastic narrative. Why not try to be part of the first Champions League at Arsenal? Depending on the terms of the contract, Arsenal could be a stepping stone to Barcelona.
But it is up to Atletico. I am told that the fans would probably take him back if he has to go back to Atletico.
He is a wonderful player, a striker with the soul of a midfielder." In summary, the situation remains fluid. Atletico Madrid have drawn a hard line against Barcelona, effectively turning the decision over to Alvarez: stay in Madrid or head to London. Arsenal remain interested but cautious, waiting for a definitive signal from the player. The next couple of days will likely determine whether the Argentine forward’s next chapter unfolds in the Spanish capital or under the lights of the Premier League.