Atletico Madrid have made it crystal clear that they will not sit at the negotiating table with Barcelona over the future of forward Julian Alvarez, who is reportedly weighing a move to the Premier League giants Arsenal. The club’s stance was reiterated on Thursday after a series of statements that highlighted both the player’s health concerns and the deep‑seated animosity between the two Spanish powerhouses. Alvarez missed training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, not because of any transfer‑related drama, but due to a bout of illness that followed a restless night on Tuesday. The 26‑year‑old striker has been linked with a switch to Barcelona after the Catalan side’s president Joan Laporta publicly declared his desire to sign the Argentine in a televised interview.
Despite the public overtures, Atletico’s chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil told the Spanish broadcaster Movistar that his personal wish is for Alvarez to remain at the club. "If he wants to leave, we will look for an alternative, but he will never, ever, ever go to Barcelona," Gil said emphatically. Gil went on to accuse unnamed parties of attempting to mislead and confuse the player during what he described as a "difficult situation" for Alvarez, who is currently dealing with health issues.
"We are outraged and repulsed by this lack of ethics. We will not negotiate with Barcelona.
The only firm decision is that we will not negotiate," he added, underscoring the club’s zero‑tolerance policy for what it perceives as unethical conduct. The club’s official statement earlier that day echoed Gil’s sentiments, emphasizing that Atletico is open to "standard transfer market negotiations when conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner".
It went on to say that Barcelona has failed to meet those standards, and therefore there will be "zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona". The statement was picked up by Marca, Spain’s leading sports newspaper, which quoted Atletico officials saying that the club feels victimised by Barcelona’s actions, both financially and socially.
"There is a zero‑percent chance of selling him to Barcelona – it’s not about money, it’s about dignity," the source told Marca. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta declined to comment directly on any potential interest in the former Manchester City forward. When asked whether speculation about Alvarez might be unsettling his squad, 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." This measured response suggests that Arsenal is aware of the chatter but is not committing to any action at this stage. From Arsenal’s perspective, the odds of completing a deal for Alvarez before the transfer window closes remain slim. The Gunners would need a strong push from the player himself to accelerate talks with Atletico.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has maintained a dialogue with Atletico’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marin throughout the summer, a relationship forged during their previous tenures at the Spanish club. Their ongoing communication indicates that Arsenal is still on the radar, but no concrete steps have been taken. Atletico, anticipating a possible stalemate, have already begun to explore contingency plans.
One name that has emerged is Arsenal’s own Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, whom the Spanish side is reportedly scouting to gauge Arsenal’s willingness to sell. The club has also shown interest in the former Benfica forward Nicolas Jackson, although that pursuit appears to have fizzled as Jackson is set to join Aston Villa. The next 24 to 48 hours are expected to be decisive for Alvarez’s future. He must decide whether to stay in Madrid, rebuild his standing with the fans, and fight for his place, or to push for an exit, possibly to London.
Atletico does not want the saga to drag on until the final day of the window, fearing a loss of control over the narrative. Journalist and Atletico expert Rubén Uría described the atmosphere surrounding the striker’s situation as "extremely tense". Alvarez’s public desire to leave has already cost him popularity among the club’s supporters; they booed him off the pitch after a 2‑2 draw with Villarreal. Uría believes Alvarez now faces two clear choices: stay in Madrid or move to London.
He explained, "My interpretation of the statement is that Atletico is making it public that it will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances, and that this is not only the CEO’s position, but also that of the club and, above all, its majority shareholder, Apollo, one of the largest private equity funds in the world. 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." South American football analyst Tim Vickery, speaking on Sky Sports News, offered a broader view of the market dynamics.
He noted that Atletico essentially has two paths: keep a player who wants to leave, or 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 saga of Julian Alvarez is now a three‑way standoff between Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Arsenal, with the Argentine’s own preferences adding another layer of complexity. Atletico has drawn a hard line against Barcelona, citing ethical breaches and a desire to protect the club’s dignity. Arsenal remains cautiously interested but has not made any firm overtures, while the player himself appears to be at a crossroads, forced to choose between remaining in Madrid or embarking on a new chapter in London.
The coming days will likely determine which path he ultimately takes, and whether the transfer market will see a high‑profile move or a quiet resolution that leaves Alvarez at the Vicente Calderón.