Transfer: Barcelona react as Arsenal move to hijack Julian Alvarez’s deal

Barcelona are aware that Atletico Madrid are currently ‘negotiating with other clubs’ in their efforts to transfer Julian Alvarez to Arsenal.

Alvarez faced harsh booing from his own supporters at Atletico’s stadium on Sunday, as the Argentina international remains eager to join Barcelona this summer.

The Catalan club has already had a €100 million offer turned down this summer, with Atletico expressing anger over Barcelona’s pursuit of their player.

Arsenal are also keen on acquiring the former Manchester City star, as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his Premier League-winning squad with another forward.

Atletico are resolute in retaining their player; however, as the situation escalates, they have privately consented to engage in discussions with Arsenal if a suitable offer is presented.

Despite Atletico’s efforts to direct him towards north London, Alvarez’s preference is to join Barcelona, disregarding Arsenal’s overtures.

The situation appears poised to extend into the final week of the transfer window, with Barcelona president Joan Laporta affirming that their offer remains valid.

In clarifying his club’s stance, Laporta stated that they were ready to pause their interest in the striker, but this decision changed upon discovering that Atletico was in discussions with another club.

Consequently, the La Liga champions continue to pursue the player, as it is widely known that he desires a transfer to Camp Nou.

Detailing the situation that took a negative turn after Barcelona’s initial offer earlier this summer, Laporta remarked in a statement: “We submitted a proposal from club to club. I confirmed this proposal during a personal phone call with [Atletico president] Miguel Ángel Gil.

“They informed me that they had no intention of selling since they had no alternative to Julián, and I conveyed our interest while respecting their decision not to sell. However, I mentioned that if they found an alternative during this transfer window, we would be keen on making the signing.

“[Barcelona sporting director] Deco and I concluded that, given their unwillingness to sell, we would place the matter on hold. What has transpired? We have received information indicating that Atlético de Madrid is negotiating with other clubs for the player.

“We remain committed to our offer because it is well-known that the player wishes to join Barca.

“This situation has generated considerable noise that is not attributable to any actions by Barca. We communicated with Enrique Cerezo, and then he made his statements. I hold him in high regard, and I want to emphasise that Barca has acted appropriately.

“We have conducted ourselves in the same manner as with other clubs. We are still engaged, and the offer remains valid; it is still on the table should Atleti decide to sell the player.”

In reaction to Laporta’s remarks, however, Atletico have firmly stated that they will not engage in any transactions with Barcelona this summer.

“There is a zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca. This situation is not about financial matters; it is about dignity,” the club asserted.

“A campaign full of lies and half-truths has been created. The only ones paying the price for all this are Atletico.”