Story perspectives

Atletico Rejects Barcelona Bid for Julian Alvarez

8/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Atletico Madrid said it will not sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.
CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said the club will never negotiate with Barcelona over Alvarez.
Alvarez missed three training sessions with a stomach bug and sat out the 3-1 Sevilla win.
Diego Simeone said the club will support Alvarez personally and professionally.
British media report Arsenal could offer about €150 million ($174 million) for Alvarez.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, Luis Figo's €60 million move from Barcelona to Real Madrid ignited a bitter rivalry between Spain’s top clubs. The transfer, sanctioned by Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Real’s president Florentino Pérez, set a Spanish record fee of €60 million. Today, Atletico Madrid’s Miguel Ángel Gil Marín refuses Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez, echoing Figo’s blocked move and prompting Arsenal’s €150 million offer. The recurring transfer standoffs intensify club rivalries, shape player market valuations, and force governing bodies to scrutinize Spain’s transfer regulations.

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Story summary

Atletico Madrid said it will not sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.
CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín said the club will never negotiate with Barcelona over Alvarez.
Alvarez missed three training sessions with a stomach bug and sat out the 3-1 Sevilla win.
Diego Simeone said the club will support Alvarez personally and professionally.
British media report Arsenal could offer about €150 million ($174 million) for Alvarez.

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