The divorce is now complete between Julián Álvarez and Atlético de Madrid. After his statements at the end of Argentina’s match against Austria, the 26-year-old striker completely turned the transfer window upside down. According to the Spanish press, the Argentine international had already informed the sports management of his intention to leave the club during a meeting organized before the World Cup and would have even designated FC Barcelona as his preferred destination, but the fact of announcing it publicly, in front of millions of viewers, logically offended the Colchoneros.
If Atlético had already integrated the idea of a departure, the fact that Julián Álvarez made his wish public went very badly, according to Sport. Madrid leader Gil Marin even came out of silence to pull his attacker’s ears. Internally, Diego Simeone, who demands total commitment from each of his players, would have definitively closed the door to a reconciliation. The Argentine technician would no longer want to keep a player who so clearly displays his desire to leave and would no longer try to convince him to stay.
Atlético de Madrid no longer want Julian Alvarez
Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany is also aware that a sale will have to be found. But the Colchoneros management intends to keep control of the negotiations. And this is precisely where Barça faces a huge obstacle, because it is out of the question for Atlético to strengthen a direct competitor at any price. According to SportMadrid leaders would still demand the 150 million euros, payable in cash, to accept a transfer to Catalonia.
No staggered payment would be considered, nor an exchange of players. Ferran Torres, Marc Casadó or anything else proposed by Deco would not change the club’s position. The first offer of 90 million euros plus 10 million bonuses would have been rejected without even being studied. Only one exception could change Atlético’s position: Arsenal. The Gunners would be able to integrate Viktor Gyökeres into the operation, in addition to significant financial compensation, a formula which more appeals to Madrid decision-makers. According to the English press, FC Barcelona has already reacted by starting discussions with national star Harry Kane.
