Julian Alvarez has reportedly made his desire to leave Atletico Madrid increasingly clear, with Barcelona still pushing to sign the Argentine striker in the ongoing transfer window.
Atletico, however, remain firm on their decision to retain the 27-year-old and have reportedly rejected multiple approaches for the forward.
Alvarez determined to join Barcelona
According to Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez is going “all in” to secure a move to Barcelona.
The Argentine reportedly returned to Atletico’s training ground on Tuesday but was frustrated after he was unable to meet manager Diego Simeone or club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who were both absent.
The report claims Alvarez then made his position clear to people at the training ground, reportedly saying, “Count me out.”
He is expected to speak with Simeone when the Atletico manager returns from Ibiza on Wednesday and reiterate his desire to leave the club and join Barcelona.
Atletico demand huge release clause
Atletico have consistently maintained that they do not want to sell Alvarez. The club have also reportedly insisted that any potential suitor must trigger his release clause, which is said to be worth more than $500 million.
Barcelona have made several attempts to sign the striker, but their proposals have reportedly been rejected.
Real Madrid also made an approach for Alvarez, but Atletico turned it down, after which the Spanish giants ended their pursuit.
Alvarez reportedly believes Atletico had assured him in February that he would be allowed to leave during the summer transfer window.
Atletico complained to FIFA over Barcelona
The transfer saga has also escalated off the pitch. Atletico Madrid reportedly filed a complaint with FIFA last month, accusing Barcelona of approaching Alvarez without the club’s permission.
Barcelona’s continued interest has nevertheless kept speculation over the Argentine’s future alive.
Simeone backs Atletico’s decision
Simeone has previously reiterated Atletico’s stance on Alvarez, saying the club’s position was clear.
Ahead of a pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Seoul, the Atletico manager backed the club’s decision while praising the striker’s contribution.
Simeone said the club had made its decision and highlighted how pleased Atletico were to have a player of Alvarez’s quality.
The manager also said the club would continue helping the Argentine improve and deliver his best performances.
For now, Atletico’s position remains unchanged, while Alvarez appears determined to force a move to Barcelona, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic conclusion to the transfer saga.
