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Sports
Atletico Madrid refuses to sell Julian Alvarez despite interest from Arsenal, PSG, and Barcelona, with a €500m release clause.
Atletico Madrid has drawn a firm line on Julian Alvarez's future, refusing to entertain any offers for the Argentine forward as Europe's elite clubs circle. The club's hierarchy views the World Cup winner as the untouchable centerpiece of their long-term project, even after recent European disappointment.
Diego Simeone has acknowledged the mounting speculation, admitting it is natural for a player of Alvarez's caliber to attract attention. "I just suppose it is normal. He is an extraordinary player," the Argentine coach said. "There is interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and other teams. But it is nothing we are concerned about."
Despite a toothless attacking display at the Emirates Stadium that ended Atletico's European dreams, the club remains convinced Alvarez is their cornerstone, according to Mundo Deportivo. Plans are already in motion to potentially improve his current deal, which runs until 2030.
The imminent departure of Antoine Griezmann will free up significant wage-bill space, allowing the club to offer improved terms. Additionally, the potential sale of goalkeeper Jan Oblak, currently the highest earner at the Metropolitano, to Saudi Arabia could further bolster financial muscle as Atletico enters its first summer transfer window backed by Apollo Sports investment.
Alvarez himself has expressed frustration with the media narrative, particularly reports linking him with a move to Barcelona. He dismissed claims that his family had been scouting properties in Catalonia.
“I try not to give too much importance to what they say, because the truth is that every week new things come out, all kinds of new information,” Alvarez said. “I try not to waste energy on that and to focus on what we’re doing here at Atleti. I try not to give too much importance to what’s said in the media, because it often starts becoming a snowball of lies. I can’t keep going out to clarify or deny everything that comes out all the time.”
Madrid holds a strong hand in any potential negotiations thanks to the massive €500 million (£430m/$588m) release clause in Alvarez's contract. While the club acknowledges that figure is unrealistic for any buyer, they have made it clear they would not even consider opening talks for anything less than the €100m they originally invested to bring him to Madrid.
Beyond financial deterrents, Alvarez has settled perfectly into life at the club, largely thanks to the welcoming presence of the dressing room's Argentine contingent—featuring Nahuel Molina, Juan Musso, and Nico Gonzalez. With CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and football director Mateu Alemany spearheading the sporting project, Atletico has absolutely no intention of selling to a direct domestic rival like Barcelona, preferring to build their new era entirely around their star number nine.
