Atlético Madrid's chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has issued an emphatic rejection of any potential transfer of Julian Alvarez to Barcelona, describing the Catalan club's conduct during the transfer saga as dishonest and unprofessional while leaving open the possibility of the Argentine striker moving elsewhere, potentially to Arsenal, before the window shuts.
Speaking to Movistar Plus following Thursday's Champions League league-phase draw in Monaco, Gil Marín delivered a scathing rebuke aimed squarely at Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who a day earlier had reaffirmed his club's strong interest in signing Alvarez despite Atlético's repeated denials.
"The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances," Gil Marín said. He stressed that his position had unanimous backing throughout the club's hierarchy. "I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. You have my word – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona."
Earlier that same day, Atlético's board had already closed ranks publicly, confirming there was "zero" chance of sanctioning a deal with Barcelona before Tuesday's deadline. The comments mark a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two La Liga heavyweights, with Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste firing back at Gil Marín's remarks. "It is a lack of manners and respect," Yuste told Movistar. "With those words, they've crossed a red line."
The saga has taken a personal toll on the 26-year-old forward, according to Gil Marín, who suggested Alvarez had been misled by outside parties during the process. "Júlian is really struggling; there have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I'm very sorry about that," he said, adding that the striker was going through a difficult period both on and off the pitch. Alvarez had publicly stated over the summer, while on international duty with Argentina, that he wanted to leave Atlético to "fulfil my dream," a stance that has not sat well with the club's supporters. He was jeered by fans during Atlético's 2-2 draw with Villarreal last weekend, and it has been reported that the forward has missed multiple training sessions this week amid the uncertainty.
While Atlético remain adamant that Barcelona is off the table, Gil Marín acknowledged that other suitors could be considered if Alvarez insists on departing. Arsenal, who have long been credited with interest in the former Manchester City forward, are reportedly still hopeful of striking a late agreement, though no formal offer has yet been submitted as manager Mikel Arteta continues searching for a marquee attacking addition. "Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atlético," Gil Marín said. "To compete amongst the greats, you need great players, and Júlian is one. If he believes that staying at Atlético is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona."
Amid the transfer turmoil, Barcelona continued their domestic campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Athletic Club at Camp Nou, their first home fixture of the new La Liga season. Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after being played through by Pedri, before Fermín López doubled the advantage late on, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Aymeric Laporte following a cross from Karim Adeyemi. New signing Rodri made his first appearance for the club as a second-half substitute, while Anthony Gordon earned his full debut under head coach Hansi Flick. "Happy to play my first match," Rodri said afterward. "It is important for me to regain my rhythm and adapt to this great team... I am where I wanted to be. Now we have to work."
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and Independent Football.