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Alvarez will not be sold to Barcelona, but Atletico open to other offers

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-27

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Atletico Madrid has ruled out any sale of striker Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona, stating there will be no negotiations with the Catalan club. • Why it matters: This decision underscores Atletico's commitment to a professional transfer process and highlights the ongoing interest in Alvarez from other clubs, particularly after Barcelona's failed attempts to secure him. • What to watch next: Attention will shift to potential offers from other clubs, such as Arsenal, as the transfer window progresses and Alvarez's future remains uncertain.

**Title: Atletico Madrid Rules Out Sale of Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, Open to Other Offers**

**Date: August 27, 2026**

Atletico Madrid has firmly stated that they will not entertain any offers for striker Julian Alvarez from FC Barcelona, despite ongoing speculation regarding the player's future. The club's board of directors has unanimously decided against negotiations with the Catalan giants, emphasizing their commitment to a professional and respectful transfer process.

In a statement released on Thursday, Atletico Madrid confirmed, "There has not been and there will not be any negotiation with them [Barcelona] regarding Alvarez’s transfer." The club reiterated that their stance is based on Barcelona's failure to meet the necessary standards for a professional negotiation, which they described as ethical and respectful.

While Atletico has closed the door on a potential transfer to Barcelona, they have indicated a willingness to consider offers from other clubs. Arsenal has recently emerged as a potential suitor for the Argentina international, who was part of the team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Atletico board expressed confidence that Alvarez would understand the club's decision and focus on contributing positively to the team's objectives. The striker's absence from training for the second consecutive day, reportedly due to illness, has raised eyebrows, especially following a disappointing performance that saw him jeered by fans during a recent La Liga match against Villarreal, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 for a transfer fee that could rise to 95 million euros (approximately $111 million). Since then, he has become a key player for the club, and his potential departure has sparked intense interest from several top clubs, particularly Barcelona, who are seeking to bolster their attacking options after the exits of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta recently expressed optimism about securing Alvarez's services before the transfer window closes, mentioning that the club has a substantial offer on the table, reportedly around 100 million euros ($116 million). However, Atletico's firm stance suggests that any hopes of a transfer to Barcelona are now dashed.

As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Alvarez and whether he will remain at Atletico or potentially move to another club that meets the club's criteria for a transfer. The situation continues to evolve, and both fans and analysts are keenly watching how this saga unfolds in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera
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