Atletico Madrid refuse to sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, unhappy with club’s behaviour – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have been intent on signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez as their new number nine to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski.

From the beginning, Los Colchoneros have been clear in their stance that the 26-year-old is not for sale, especially to Barcelona.

Now, according to Cadena SER, the Madrid-based club have no intention of changing their stance amid Barça’s persistent interest.

Atletico are unwilling to strengthen a domestic competitor and remain unhappy with Barça’s conduct throughout the transfer saga.

Atletico maintain firm position

The message from Atletico is clear. Regardless of Barcelona’s interest, the Madrid club do not want Alvarez wearing Blaugrana colours and are prepared to block any move between the two rivals.

Atletico refuse to sell Alvarez. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Atletico would only be open to selling the World Cup-winning forward to Arsenal if they eventually decided to sanction his departure.

That reflects the difference in how Atletico view domestic and international transfers.

Selling one of their biggest stars to a Premier League club is considered far less damaging than strengthening a direct La Liga rival.

Barcelona’s task remains difficult

For Barcelona, not much changes. They have been working under the same conditions since the start of the summer transfer market.

Hansi Flick and Deco are believed to view Alvarez as their preferred long-term solution in attack, and the player is also keen on wearing Blaugrana.

Alvarez wants to join Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

However, club-to-club negotiations cannot be expected to be seamless, and Alvarez will have to do something significant to force this move.

Very often, such situations can change late in transfer windows. Atletico are not going to get much out of keeping an unhappy player in their ranks.

Barcelona should continue pursuing a move for Alvarez but, at the same time, line up potential alternatives to put pressure on Atletico.

There are players like Eli Junior Kroupi who Barça are interested in, although Bournemouth are said to consider the player untouchable.

If the Catalan club move seriously for other alternatives, it could at least force Atletico’s hand one way or the other.

The last thing they want is to keep an unhappy player with no buyers at the end of the transfer window, and it remains to be seen how Alvarez’s future pans out.