Atletico reject Barcelona offer for Julian Alvarez: ‘We will not sell him for €100m or €200m’

Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has dashed Barcelona’s hopes of signing Julian Alvarez, insisting that he is not for sale at any price.

The Catalan giants have spent months pursuing Alvarez as they search for Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has identified the 26-year-old as his dream attacking signing. However, Atletico’s hierarchy have made their position crystal clear.

Gil Marin said Atletico had informed Alvarez, his agent and Barcelona president Joan Laporta that he would not be leaving the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this summer.

“I have no doubt Atletico is the place in the world for Julian and Julian is the perfect striker for Atletico Madrid,” Gil Marin said. “We want to continue counting on him.”

He then issued an emphatic response to Barcelona’s reported bids after Laporta publicly tried to pressure them into selling.

“We do not want to transfer him,” he added. “We did not accept an offer of €100 million, and we will not accept one of €150m or €200m.”

Gil Marin also claimed he had personally urged Laporta to end Barcelona’s public pursuit of the Argentina international.

He insists the Blaugrana president already knows Alvarez will not be playing for Barcelona next season.

The Atletico executive said Alvarez had been poorly advised after he had privately, and later publicly, expressed his desire to join Barcelona.

However, he backed the former Manchester City star to rebuild his relationship with supporters through commitment and on-pitch performances.

Alvarez bagged ten goals and four assists in 15 Champions League appearances. He also recorded eight goals and four assists across 29 La Liga matches.

Barcelona may view Alvarez as the ideal heir to Lewandowski, but Atletico’s message could not be clearer.

Unless there is a dramatic U-turn, Barca may need to turn their attentions elsewhere.