Atletico Madrid have started their La Liga campaign positively, but Julian Alvarez‘s uncertain future continues to dominate attention away from the pitch.
Diego Simeone’s side collected four points from their opening two matches after beating Malaga 2-0 and drawing 2-2 with Villarreal.
Their unbeaten start has come despite considerable tension surrounding Alvarez. The Argentine expressed his desire to leave Atletico during the World Cup.
Barcelona have spent the summer pursuing the Argentina international, while Arsenal and Real Madrid have also shown interest.
The situation became increasingly uncomfortable when Alvarez returned for Atletico’s first home match of the season.
Supporters whistled the 26-year-old during his warm-up and again when Simeone introduced him during the second half.
Alvarez subsequently missed training through illness, adding further uncertainty with the September 1 transfer deadline approaching rapidly.
However, Atletico have now made their position regarding Barcelona emphatically clear.
According to The Athletic, Atletico Madrid’s board has given unanimous backing to the club’s decision not to negotiate with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez.
The club has ruled out considering a transfer to the Catalan giants because of Barcelona’s conduct during previous discussions surrounding the forward.
Atletico had already reported Barcelona to the Spanish Football Federation in July over what they considered an improper pursuit of Alvarez.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta nevertheless confirmed his club remain strongly interested after pursuing the striker throughout the summer.
Atletico’s position makes Arsenal potentially significant during the closing stages. The Spanish club would prefer selling Alvarez elsewhere rather than strengthening a domestic rival.
However, Alvarez reportedly remains reluctant to return to England and continues to favour his desired move to Barcelona.
That leaves Atletico facing a complicated final few days of the window, but their stance towards Barcelona now appears unmistakable.
Unless that position changes dramatically, Alvarez’s preferred destination looks effectively blocked despite his desire to leave Madrid.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
