Barcelona can’t get Alvarez, Atletico Madrid say he is going to Arsenal

Atletico Madrid are not keen to negotiate with Spanish LaLiga rivals Barcelona for the transfer of striker Julian Alvarez.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Atletico are only interested in talking to Arsenal if they are ready to make a move for the player who is with the Argentine team at the World Cup.

The Premier League champions are actively exploring attacking reinforcements and believe they have a realistic opportunity if Barcelona are ultimately unable to complete a deal.

Alavarez has made it known that his preferred club is Barcelona, if the had to leave the Wanda Metropolitan side. Atletico’s perspective, selling one of their biggest stars abroad is far more appealing than allowing him to strengthen a direct La Liga title rival.

Meanwhile Barcelona president Joan Laporta said they have made bid for Alvarez, but will not wait for too long for Atletico.

“We’re not going to dance to anyone’s tune. We set the pace here. We’ve made an offer, but it’s not an open-ended offer, it’s not an unlimited offer. We’ll see how long it remains valid. We’ve already expressed our intention to sign the player the coach and the technical staff have requested. We like him a lot and I think he’s a fantastic player,” he added.

“There was some confusion regarding the offer we made, and I clarified it. We haven’t put any more pressure on them. I simply stated that, from the moment they have an alternative, this offer remains valid. And that’s where it ended. It hasn’t progressed any further, for the time being.