Atletico Madrid will not allow forward Julian Alvarez to leave the club during the current transfer window despite interest from Barcelona, coach Diego Simeone confirmed on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Last month, Atletico filed a complaint with FIFA accusing Barcelona of allegedly tapping up the 26-year-old Argentina international.

Alvarez has also been linked with a potential move to Premier League champions Arsenal and was the subject of a rejected 150-million-euro ($173.4 million) bid from Real Madrid in June. While on World Cup duty, Alvarez stated he “believed a transfer is best for everyone” but did not specify his preferred destination.

Simeone told reporters before a preseason friendly against Manchester City in Seoul that the club's decision to retain Alvarez was clearly explained by CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin.

The situation highlights ongoing transfer tensions involving top European clubs and the high-profile forward.

Sources