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The summer's most explosive transfer drama continues to simmer in the Spanish capital as Julián Alvarez and Atlético Madrid keep exchanging blows over his unsuccessful move to Barcelona.
Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín made a pointed claim that the Argentine striker "hasn't had the best advisors around him in recent months" during an interview with news agency EFE on Friday. Alvarez's representative Fernando Hidalgo was swift to fire back.
"Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain himself, he would have to lie again," Hidalgo wrote on social media, in what appeared to be a direct response to Gil Marín's provocative remarks.
The exchange marks the latest chapter in an ongoing war of words between both sides after Alvarez openly declared his intention to leave Atlético Madrid during the 2026 World Cup. The player's request was met with firm resistance from Gil Marín and his associates, who made it abundantly clear that Alvarez was not available for transfer even when Barcelona and Real Madrid submitted official bids for the 26-year-old.
"Atlético Madrid, like every top club, is built on great players, and Julián is one of them, as well as being a consummate professional," Gil Marín stated. "We have to compete with our values, with homegrown talent and the best players we can attract from elsewhere.
"We are going to support Julián and continue to take care of him, so he can fulfil his true potential."
Diego Simeone Has His Say
Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has also been outspoken about retaining Alvarez, who remains contracted until June 2030, at the Metropolitano. Just a day after Gil Marín stirred the pot, the Argentine manager poured even more fuel onto the fire.
"There's no uncertainty. Miguel Ángel [Gil Marín] spoke clearly," Simeone said at his pre-match press conference.
"For me [Alvarez's] a hugely important player for achieving our goals. We'll be with him, we'll support him on the sporting side, because he's our player ... he'll be in the squad tomorrow."
Alvarez was absent from Atlético Madrid's La Liga opener against Málaga during the week, a decision attributed to fitness concerns by Simeone. The former Manchester City star missed the team's shortened preseason after reaching the World Cup final with Argentina.
All attention will turn to Simeone and Alvarez on Sunday when Atlético Madrid welcome Villarreal. The Argentina international is likely to face a very tense atmosphere.
Where Do Barcelona, Arsenal Stand in Alvarez's Transfer Saga?
It's widely known that Barcelona identified Alvarez as their preferred long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, who departed the club as a free agent this summer to join MLS outfit Chicago Fire. The Catalan side grew even more eager to complete the deal once Ferran Torres also left for Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet recent reports suggest the reigning Spanish champions have ultimately decided to abandon their pursuit of Alvarez following months of resistance from Atlético Madrid. Even Barcelona's most determined efforts proved fruitless, given that Gil Marín had previously stated: "Our answer is infinite: we don't want to sell him. We didn't accept €100 million, and we won't accept €150 million or €200 million either."
For a club already navigating financial difficulties, Barcelona simply could not produce enough funds to meet the player's €500 million ($584 million) release clause.
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Arsenal were also connected with Alvarez this summer as Mikel Arteta scoured the market for a top-quality attacking addition. According to The Athletic, the Gunners signalled their interest in the forward to Atlético Madrid, but sought "encouragement from the player's camp" before entering into any formal discussions.
Alvarez, however, remains "adamant" about a move to Barcelona. It would require a change of heart from the player to make a transfer to Arsenal a "realistic prospect."
Unless something significant shifts before the September 1 deadline, the only realistic outcome for Alvarez appears to be remaining at Atlético Madrid.