Atletico Madrid will not allow forward Julian Alvarez to leave the club during the current transfer window, coach Diego Simeone confirmed on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This decision comes amid reported interest from Barcelona, who Atletico accused last month of illegally tapping up the 26-year-old Argentina international by filing a complaint to FIFA.

Alvarez has also been linked with 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 expressed that he “believed a transfer is best for everyone” but did not specify his preferred destination.

Simeone stated that the club's decision was clearly explained by CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin ahead of a preseason friendly against Manchester City in Seoul.

Sources