Atletico Madrid officially end Barcelona chances of signing Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Barcelona are running out of time to prise Julian Alvarez, their leading target for the entire summer, away from Atletico Madrid. Until now, a club-to-club deal has been considered impossible, and unfortunately for the Catalans, this will continue to be the case for the rest of the transfer window.

In the last few days, Alvarez himself, who has pushed to join Barcelona all summer, has started to accept that a move will not happen. Atleti have been clear that they will not sell to a direct rival, and they have now made this emphatically clear with a statement from their Board of Directors published on X.

“The members of Atlético de Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their absolute support for the club’s decision to not negotiate the transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona. The members of the Board of Directors acknowledge that Atlético de Madrid is open to standard transfer market negotiations when conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner. We fully stand behind the club’s previously communicated position that FC Barcelona failed to meet these requirements and, as a result, there will not be any negotiation and there is zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona.

“Atlético de Madrid trust that our player will understand the decision and will remain focused on helping the club achieve its goals, just as he has done during the two seasons he has been defending our colours.”

What next for Barcelona – and Alvarez?

Barcelona will surely get the message now that they cannot sign Alvarez. It’s unlikely that they pivot to an alternative, so the likelihood that they do not bring in a number nine before the transfer window closes next week.

As for Alvarez, he must now decide whether to stay at Atleti, which would give him a (slim) chance to join Barcelona in the future. Alternatively, he can join Arsenal if he opens that door.