Atletico Madrid Denies Barcelona's Pursuit of Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid have drawn a hard line in the sand over Julian Alvarez – and Barcelona are on the wrong side of it.

The Spanish club have gone public with a fierce statement insisting they will not enter into any negotiations with Barca for the 26-year-old striker, despite the player’s clear desire to move to Camp Nou.

Alvarez, who did not train on Wednesday or Thursday because of illness after a poor night’s sleep on Tuesday, has been adamant he wants Barcelona. President Joan Laporta went public again on Wednesday with the Catalan club’s wish to sign him.

That has gone down badly in Madrid.

Atletico’s fury: “Zero-per-cent chance”

Atletico’s response was blunt and loaded.

“Atletico de Madrid is open to standard transfer market negotiations when conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner,” the club said on Thursday.

“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.

“Atletico 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.”

The message had already been trailed in Spain. Marca published on-the-record quotes from the club earlier in the week that went even harder.

“The player is being portrayed as the victim, but we are the only victims in this case,” Atletico told the paper.

“[Barcelona] have harmed us both financially and socially. There is a zero-per-cent chance of selling him to Barcelona – it's not about money, it's about dignity.”

This is no routine transfer spat. Atletico are turning it into a question of principle.

Hostile stands, shrinking options

Inside the club, the situation around Alvarez is “extremely tense”, according to Atletico expert Ruben Uria.

The fans have already taken a position. After the 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Sunday, Alvarez was booed off the pitch by his own supporters, his public desire to leave having poisoned the relationship almost overnight.

That reaction has forced the Argentine into a rethink. Barcelona remains his preferred destination, but with that door now slammed shut, he is understood to be seriously considering whether a move to Arsenal might be the right way out.

Uria believes the club’s statement was aimed as much at the player as at Barcelona.

“My interpretation of the statement is that Atletico is making it public that it will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances, and that this is not only the CEO's position, but also that of the club and, above all, its majority shareholder, Apollo, one of the largest private equity funds in the world,” he said.

“Absolute support. It's a clear message for Julian: ‘Either you go to London, or you stay. We will never negotiate with Barcelona.’ It's very clear, Julian decides. London or staying in Madrid.”

Two paths. Neither simple.

Arsenal watching, but not chasing

From Arsenal’s side, the mood is calm rather than frantic. Their stance has not shifted despite the drama in Madrid.

They still see a deal for Alvarez as very unlikely before the deadline. For anything to move, they would need a strong and direct push from the player himself to even start formal talks with Atletico.

There is contact between the clubs, but it is not new. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin have been in dialogue throughout the summer, helped by a long-standing relationship from their time working together in Madrid.

So far, that relationship has not turned into a bid.

Atletico’s Plan B up front

While they dig in over Alvarez, Atletico are not standing still. They have already started contingency planning and are exploring options for a new striker.

One of the names on their radar is Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres. Atletico are keen to understand how open Arsenal might be to selling the Sweden international, even as the London club weigh their own attacking options.

Nicolas Jackson was another target, but that avenue has closed, with the forward heading to Aston Villa.

The clock is now very real. The next 24 to 48 hours are being described as crucial in defining Alvarez’s stance: stay and attempt to repair his fractured bond with the fans and the club, or push hard for an exit, most likely to Arsenal.

Atletico are determined not to let this drag into the final day of the window.

Could Arsenal be the road to Barcelona?

For South American football expert Tim Vickery, the whole saga comes down to a cold choice for Atletico.

“It is up to Atletico. They have two options: do they want to keep a player who doesn't want to be there? Or do they want to cash in?” he told Sky Sports News.

“Clearly, they wouldn't sell to Barcelona and wouldn't sell to Real Madrid if they were interested. That does not leave them with many options; who else could afford him?

The other options are in the Premier League. I'm not sure he was wildly happy during his time in England. He has got himself in a place where there are not many options.”

Arsenal, though, offer a compelling sporting story.

“Arsenal would give a fantastic narrative. Why not try to be part of the first Champions League at Arsenal?” Vickery said.

“Why not be a part of that? And, depending on the terms of the contract, Arsenal could be a stepping stone to Barcelona. But it is up to Atletico.

“I am told that the fans would probably take him back if he has to go back to Atletico. He is a wonderful player, a striker with the soul of a midfielder.”

So the stage is set. A player who wants Barcelona, a club that refuses to deal with them, and a Premier League giant hovering in the background.

London or Madrid. Repair or restart. Alvarez is running out of time to decide which future he wants.