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 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 said he “believed a transfer is best for everyone” but did not specify his preferred destination.

Speaking before a preseason friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, Simeone stated that the club's decision, explained by CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, is to retain Alvarez for the season.

Sources