Barcelona’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez has intensified after club president Joan Laporta confirmed that the Catalan giants remain keen on the Atlético Madrid forward, prompting a firm response from the Spanish club.
Speaking on Wednesday, Laporta said Barcelona were still determined to bring the Argentine to Camp Nou and hoped Atlético would consider their proposal. “We are still very interested in Julián Álvarez,” Laporta said, while stressing “the utmost respect for Atlético de Madrid.”
Laporta also made Barcelona’s position clear, saying, “If they are willing to sell Julián Álvarez during this summer transfer window, we would be ready to buy him,” provided an agreement can be reached over the offer already submitted.
The Barcelona president revealed that he had personally contacted Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín to reaffirm the club’s proposal. “We have a great deal of respect for Atlético de Madrid and its directive. We have known each other for many years,” Laporta explained.
According to Laporta, Barcelona were encouraged to maintain their offer after receiving indications that Atlético might be open to selling Álvarez. “It’s clear that our offer remains valid until the end of the market,” he added.
Atlético, however, have rejected the possibility of the striker moving to Barcelona and issued a strongly worded response to the ongoing transfer speculation. “The player is being victimized, but the only victim of the Julián case is us,” the club said.
The Madrid side claimed the controversy has already inflicted financial and social damage on the institution. “They have harmed us economically and socially,” Atlético stated, before making their position on a potential Barcelona transfer unequivocal: “There is 0% chance of selling him to Barça.”
Atlético also insisted that the dispute extends beyond financial considerations. “This situation is not about money, it’s about dignity,” the club declared.
The Spanish club further accused unnamed parties of fuelling the controversy with “many lies and half-truths”, arguing that Atlético have ultimately been left to bear the consequences.
“The only one who pays for this is Atlético,” the statement concluded.
The latest developments leave Álvarez’s future in a stalemate, with Barcelona maintaining that their offer remains on the table and Atlético publicly ruling out any agreement that would take the Argentine forward to Camp Nou.
