Barcelona fined for tapping up Arsenal transfer target

Barcelona fined for tapping up Arsenal transfer target Barcelona have been fined for their pursuit of Arsenal target and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but the sanction is a minor one. Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images Atletico Madrid accused Barcelona earlier this year of approaching Julian Alvarez without first notifying them in writing, and the BBC report that the Spanish FA have decided to issue a fine. The RFEF have reportedly confirmed that Barcelona have been sanctioned for a minor breach of the federation’s disciplinary guidelines, though Barcelona intend to appeal. Yet the actual fine is for just €602 (£504), a very small punishment for a club of Barcelona’s size. Fines for minor charges such as this are capped at €602, so that’s why the amount isn’t higher. Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images Given the minimal financial impact the fine will have, it’s pretty clear the case is more about the principle. On that front, Atletico will be pleased with the verdict, whilst Barcelona evidently hope to overturn it. Alvarez had also been linked with a move to Arsenal , but his clear preference was Barcelona, and he made a statement over the summer suggesting it was the right time for him to leave Atletico to fulfil his dream. The player has since apologised for those comments, saying : “I wanted to apo­lo­gise to our people for my words dur­ing the World Cup. They were a mis­take on my part, both in the form and the tim­ing.” Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images Alvarez scored his first two goals of the season last week, netting in a Champions League draw with Stuttgart and a La Liga win over Deportivo A Coruna . But he had provided a couple of assists in his seven previous appearances of 2026/27. Atletico will be hoping the verdict against Barcelona will help to draw a line under the summer saga. In reality, there’s no knowing whether their La Liga rivals will be back knocking at the door again in January. Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images