Atletico Madrid hits back at Barcelona after Laporta’s statement on Julian Alvarez: ‘0% chance of selling him to Barça’

Atletico Madrid hits back at Barcelona after Laporta’s statement on Julian Alvarez: ‘0% chance of selling him to Barça’ Atletico Madrid’s relationship with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez appears to have reached another breaking point, with the Spanish capital club responding strongly to Joan Laporta’s latest public comments about the Argentine forward. Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez has been one of the major talking points of the summer, and Laporta recently reiterated that the Catalan club remain ready to pursue a deal if Atletico change their position. “We are still very interested in Julian Alvarez,” the Barcelona president said. “We would like our offer to be accepted, and we are doing so with the utmost respect for Atletico de Madrid,” he revealed. “Let Atletico Madrid know that, if they are willing to sell Julián Alvarez during this summer transfer window, we would be ready to buy him. “This provided we can reach an agreement around the offer we have made to them,” he added. Atletico, though, have responded by making it clear that they are deeply unhappy with how the entire situation has developed. Atletico Madrid blame Barcelona and Alvarez’s camp Atletico Madrid have responded to Laporta’s comments. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) According to authoritative sources within Atletico, as relayed by MARCA , the club believe they have become the victims of a situation that has caused both financial and social damage. “The player is being portrayed as the victim, but we are the only victims in the Julián case,” say several authoritative sources at a club that is fed up not only with the player’s agent’s behaviour, but also with Barcelona. Atletico’s frustration is not directed solely towards the player, as they are also unhappy with Barcelona’s public pursuit and the actions of Alvarez’s representatives. “They have harmed us both financially and socially,” the club insists. “There is a 0 per cent chance of selling him to Barça. This situation isn’t about money, it’s about dignity,” they insist. Atletico Madrid refuse to reconsider Barcelona transfer This reaction leaves little room for interpretation regarding Atletico’s current position. Barcelona have continued to express their interest and have made clear that they remain willing to negotiate.  Atletico Madrid will not sell Alvarez to Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Atletico, on the other hand, insist that no agreement will be possible while the buyer remains their La Liga rivals. The club believe a sustained campaign has been built around the idea that Alvarez is desperate to leave and that Atletico are preventing his dream move.  From their perspective, the reality is very different. “A campaign has been launched full of lies and half-truths. The only ones paying the price for this are Atletico.” Their comments also come amid concern over the impact the ongoing saga is having on Alvarez himself.  Atletico Madrid insist they are acting to protect the interests of the club. As a result, the club’s previously filed complaint is set to be updated to include the latest developments involving Barcelona and Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, who Atletico believe has been working to secure the player’s departure.