Atletico Madrid have insisted there is a 0% chance of selling Arsenal target Julian Alvarez to Barcelona after club president Joan Laporta said they are still interested in signing the forward.
Alvarez's desire to leave
Alvarez, 26, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer, after making it clear he wants to leave Atletico. Back in June, the Argentina international expressed his desire to quit the La Liga club to "fulfil his dream" and admitted the "best thing for everyone is a transfer".
Despite interest from Arsenal and Barcelona among others, Alvarez is still at Atletico and made his return to action as a second-half substitute during Sunday's 2-2 draw against Villarreal at Wanda Metropolitano.
But the former Manchester City man was booed after coming on - and it's safe to suggest the Atletico supporters do not want to see him feature again following his wish to leave the club. Alvarez then missed training on Wednesday, though his absence was thought to be down to illness.
Atletico's fiery response
Now, Atletico have slapped back at Laporta's latest video, after the Barcelona president said that an £85.7million bid for Alvarez remained on the table. Marca report that Atletico have 'exploded' about the situation, with their feelings abundantly clear on Barcelona and the striker's behaviour.
The Spanish outlet reports that the club feels 'this is not about money, it's about dignity. The player is being victimised, but the only victim in the Julian case is us'.
Atleti feel that they have been harmed 'economically and socially' by the move to try and force the Argentina out of the club - a 'campaign of lies'. There is a '0% chance' of them doing any business with Barcelona before the window closes, which could be good news for Arsenal.
Barcelona's ongoing interest and Arsenal's pursuit
In the video, Laporta said the club had great respect for Atletico but the bid they submitted earlier this summer was still on offer. It's reported that Barcelona are going to keep trying to sign Alvarez until the end of the window, despite Atleti making it clear the only way they will be able to sign him is by paying his vast buyout clause.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are another that are keen on signing Alvarez. The Gunners are still active in the market for a superstar forward before the September 1 deadline, after Vinicius Jr's decision to remain at Real Madrid.
They have been long linked with a move for Alvarez and he would add an extra threat to Arsenal's front line as they look to retain the Premier League title and challenge in the Champions League this season.
