Atlético Madrid declare 0% chance of selling Julián Álvarez to Barcelona amid fiery transfer saga | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have said there is a zero percent chance that Julian Alvarez is sold to Barcelona this summer.

The Spanish side have released a statement to clarify their position on Alvarez's future, in what has become the saga of the summer.

Alvarez has informed Atletico of his desire to leave the club, amid interest from Barcelona. Atletico have insisted the forward is not for sale at any price to theirLa Liga rivals.

The situation reached boiling point at the weekend when Alvarez was whistled and jeered by the Atletico supporters when appearing against Villarreal. He left the pitch early as his teammate applauded the fans at full-time and had scarfs, shirts and toy rats thrown in his direction.

Atletico have now released a statement toMarca and have said there is no chance that a transfer is agreed with Barcelona, criticising their Spanish rivals for their pursuit of the player.

“The player is being victimised, but the only victim of the Julián case is us," the statement said.

“They have harmed us economically and socially. There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça. This situation is not about money, it's about dignity. There is a campaign with many lies and half-truths. The only one who pays for this is Atlético."

Atletico's comments come after Barcelona president Joan Laporta reiterated the club's desire to do a deal before the deadline.

“We are still very interested in Julián Álvarez," Laporta said.

“We would like our offer to be accepted, and we are doing so with the utmost respect for Atlético de Madrid”.

“Let Atlético Madrid know that, if they are willing to sell Julián Álvarez during this summer transfer window, we would be ready to buy him.

“This provided we can reach an agreement around the offer we have made to them. We have a great deal of respect for Atlético de Madrid and its directive. We have known each other for many years. I ratified the offer sent with a call to Miguel Ángel Gil."

Arsenal are also interested in Alvarez and are prepared to make their move for the 26-year-old if he expresses interest in a potential Premier League transfer.