Atletico Madrid release furious Julian Alvarez statement amid Arsenal interest

Atletico Madrid insisted there is “zero per cent chance” they sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona this summer and claim they are “the only victims” in the protracted transfer saga. The 26-year-old forward has made it clear that he would like to join Barcelona but Arsenal continue to monitor the situation and may move to make a late deal for the Argentina international. The Independent understands that Atletico would like Alvarez’s future to be decided by Friday. The forward was booed during a substitute appearance in Atletico’s draw with Villarreal on Sunday night and reportedly missed training on Wednesday, which the club put down to “illness”. Atletico released a furious statement on Wednesday accusing Barcelona and Alvarez’s representatives of creating a ‘campaign of lies and half-truths’ (Reuters) Atletico have made it clear throughout the summer that they do not want to sell Alvarez, who is under contract until 2030. The Independent reported earlier on Wednesday that Atletico could listen to offers for around €150m (£128m) but don’t believe Barcelona have the budget. After Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed his club’s interest in Alvarez and urged Atletico to accept their offer, Atletico released a furious statement on Wednesday accusing Barcelona and Alvarez’s representatives of creating a campaign of lies and half-truths”. "The player is being portrayed as a victim, but the only victims in the Julian case are us,” Atletico told Spanish outlet Marca . “They have harmed us economically and socially. There is zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca.” Marca reported that Atletico claimed the Alvaraz saga “is not about money, it is about dignity”. The club added: “A campaign has been created with many lies and half-truths. The only one who pays for this is Atletico.” There is one week to go until the transfer deadline closes and so far Barcelona’s only offer for Alvarez was tabled at €100m (£86m). Atletico want Alvarez to be fit for their trip to Sevilla in LaLiga on Saturday evening. Arsenal continue to work on a deal for Alvarez despite their understanding that the player’s preference is to join Barcelona. They believe Atletico could yet sell Alvarez if they receive an acceptable offer by the end of the week. The Independent reported that Arsenal could offer Atletico another forward as part of a deal, such as Viktor Gyokeres or Gabriel Jesus, with Mikel Arteta keen to build his attack around the former Manchester City attacker.