Atletico Madrid threaten Barcelona with legal action over Julian Alvarez pursuit after calling them a ‘cheating club’ | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have launched an attack on Barcelona, threatening to take the Catalan giants to the football governing bodies over their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

The Argentina international caused a stir after admitting that a transfer would be best for everyone as he looks to fulfil a long-held dream.

Alvarez stopped short of naming Barcelona, but Atletico believe they have been working behind the scenes to encourage this public stance despite him remaining under contract until 2030.

Atletico responded with an uncompromising message, insisting Alvarez will not be allowed to join Barca under any circumstances unless they activate his €500 million release clause.

“There is no amount Barcelona can pay to sign Julian,” Atletico figures reportedly said (via AS). “Either they pay the €500m release clause, or there is no deal.”

They are also preparing to lodge a formal complaint with football’s governing bodies, alleging that Barcelona have negotiated with a player who remains under contract without permission.

Senior figures pointed to Barcelona’s public pursuit of Antoine Griezmann before his eventual 2019 move, claiming the club has a history of indirectly approaching contracted players.

Atletico claimed that everyone knows about their reputation, citing the Negreira controversy and previous transfer disputes. They described them as a ‘cheating club’.

They also cited Barcelona’s widely reported attempts to sign Nico Williams last summer as another example of what they believe is a recurring strategy.

Alvarez is considered untouchable, and the club appear determined to resist any pressure from the player or Barcelona.

Atletico are not afraid to roll in the mud. They have made extreme attempts to ridicule Barca and Real Madrid in their attempt to lure the former Manchester City star.

It might be a case of Los Rojiblancos preferring to sell him abroad. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are also after him, but he reportedly wants to join Barcelona.