Atletico Madrid president reaffirms stance on Barcelona target: ‘We don’t want to sell’ | OneFootball

The Julian Alvarez Barcelona transfer story has taken another twist after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo ruled out the possibility of selling the Argentine striker, especially after Lamine Yamal admitted he would welcome the forward to Camp Nou.

Interest in the Julian Alvarez transfer has intensified in recent weeks following comments made by the player after Argentina’s World Cup victory over Austria, where he hinted at a desire to seek a new challenge in order to “fulfil his dream.”

However, Atletico Madrid have wasted little time in making their position clear.

Enrique Cerezo insists Alvarez is not for sale

Speaking to RNE (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the Atletico Madrid president dismissed growing speculation surrounding Alvarez’s future, insisting the club has no intention of negotiating his departure.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Addressing the rumours, Cerezo said, “It took us by surprise, and we’ve done what we had to do: state that he is an Atletico de Madrid player, that we haven’t received any offers from anyone, and that even if there were offers, we don’t want to sell him.”

It must be remembered that despite being on Barcelona’s radar, the Argentine forward remains under contract with Atletico Madrid until 2030 and is protected by a release clause worth €500 million, making any potential operation extremely difficult.

However, even after that, several reports have suggested that Barcelona view Alvarez as a priority signing, while PSG and Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

Yamal opens the door to Alvarez Barcelona move

Amid the growing transfer noise, Lamine Yamal fueled the transfer speculation after the Barcelona youngster was asked about the possibility of the Argentine arriving at Camp Nou.

Yamal made it clear that Alvarez would be warmly received inside the dressing room.

Barcelona see Julian Alvarez as their priority. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

He said that “if he comes” to Barcelona, the squad would welcome him “with open arms” and added that “if it were him, he would do the same.”

Although the comments were light-hearted, they are likely to fuel further conversation surrounding a possible Julian Alvarez Barcelona transfer.

At the same time, Atletico Madrid are becoming increasingly frustrated with the public discussion around their player.

As reported before, the club has taken legal action and has already announced plans to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona.

Atletico believe the Catalan side have engaged in negotiations with the player despite him being under contract during the protected period.