Atletico Madrid CEO fires shots at Barcelona over Julian Alvarez pursuit: ‘They wanted to divide us’ | OneFootball

We are entering the final stretch of the summer transfer window ahead of the newly started 2026-27 season.

And when it comes to FC Barcelona, their primary target for the No. 9 position Julian Alvarez is unlikely to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, with the Rojiblancos taking a firm stance over the matter.

Despite the player’s desire to leave and Barcelona pushing, Atletico have time and again made it clear that they do not intend to sell the 26-year-old Argentine international.

There have been reports that they would be open to selling the striker to Arsenal, but not to Barcelona.

Gil Marin reiterates stance

However, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has once again responded to the rumours, repeating what he has already said twice in recent months.

“Atletico, like all great clubs, is built with great players and I’m clear that Julián is one, as well as being a great professional,” he told EFE, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Atletico refuse to sell Alvarez. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

“We must compete with our values, with people from within the club and with the best players from outside that we can bring in,” he added.

The Atletico executive once again insisted that the player will not leave, especially not for Barcelona.

Gil Marin alleges media campaign

Behind Atletico’s position is the club’s frustration with Barcelona’s approach to the entire situation, as well as the financial proposal.

Comments from Barcelona officials and players regarding the striker were particularly damaging in the eyes of the Metropolitano.

The Rojiblancos also allege that there was a media campaign intended to apply pressure, along with the movements of the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo.

As such, Gil Marin stressed that Atletico will not allow “other clubs and their affiliated media to decide what we have to do, dictate our sporting strategy or disrespect us.”

Door firmly closed. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“That is precisely what they’re trying to do: divide us. It’s clear that we’re not as powerful as they are, but we have values. Atleticos won’t allow themselves to be contaminated. Atleti is strong when we’re all together,” he added.

With this statement, Atletico want to put the matter to rest, while he also called Atletico Madrid fans to stand by Alvarez and support him.

“We’re going to help Julián and continue looking after him so that he can give us his full potential, because we need him to keep competing among the biggest clubs in Europe.

“We have to understand that Julián hasn’t had the best advisers around him regarding his professional career in recent months,” he noted.