Atlético refuses to negotiate Julián Álvarez's transfer to Barcelona

Atlético de Madrid has firmly rejected any transfer of Julián Álvarez to Barcelona, with the club's board of directors issuing a unanimous statement on Thursday that "ni ha existido ni va a existir ninguna negociación" with the Catalan club Source: El Mundo. The club accuses Barcelona of failing to act "de una forma ética y profesional y con respeto entre los clubes" Source: Excélsior.

The standoff

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists the club's offer remains on the table, claiming "parece ser que el jugador quiere venir al Barça" Source: La Vanguardia. However, Atlético's CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has reportedly told Laporta they will not sell, citing a lack of a replacement Source: El Español. The club's stance is backed by its main shareholder, the U.S. investment fund Apollo Source: El Confidencial.

Player's situation

Julián Álvarez has missed two consecutive training sessions due to an "indisposición," raising doubts about his availability for Saturday's match against Sevilla Source: Infobae. The Argentine forward has publicly expressed his desire to join Barcelona, calling it his "sueño" Source: El Nacional. Meanwhile, Arsenal has shown interest, but Álvarez is reportedly reluctant to return to England for personal reasons Source: Infobae.

Legal perspective

According to sports lawyer Gonzalo Jiménez, a player cannot unilaterally break his contract; any transfer requires agreement between the parties or payment of the release clause, which stands at €500 million Source: El Confidencial. The club's refusal has led to fan backlash, with Álvarez being whistled during his last appearance Source: Clarín.