Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has entered a tense new phase as their attempt to strengthen the attack becomes one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer.
The Catalan giants have been tracking the Argentine forward for some time as Hansi Flick looks to add more quality and depth in the final third.
However, the situation has now moved beyond transfer negotiations and into a potential legal dispute.
Atletico Madrid are unhappy with how the saga has developed and believe Barcelona have crossed a line.
The Spanish rivals are now preparing to take action over what they view as improper conduct.
Barcelona’s efforts to sign Julian Alvarez have triggered a furious response from Atletico Madrid, with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin confirming the club intends to report the Catalan side to FIFA.
The controversy began after Julian Alvarez publicly discussed his future and admitted he would welcome the chance to leave Atletico Madrid in pursuit of a personal ambition.
Those comments increased speculation that Barcelona could make a move for the striker, with reports continuing to link him with a switch to Camp Nou.
Speaking to EFE via Mundo Deportivo, Gil Marin made it clear that Atletico believe Barcelona’s approach has gone too far.
He said, “Our responsibility is to defend the interests of Atletico Madrid, and that is why we are going to file a complaint with FIFA against Barcelona for negotiating with a player who had a valid contract during the protected period.”
The Atletico chief acknowledged that discussions had taken place between the club and the player, but insisted their position remains unchanged.
“Julian has a dream, and we at Atletico have dreams too.
“It’s true that he’s spoken with us, but it’s also true that he’s fully aware of our position because we’ve been very clear.
“Atletico doesn’t want to transfer his rights. He’s a great player, and we’re very proud that he plays for us.”
Gil Marin then turned his attention towards Barcelona’s handling of the situation, accusing the Catalan club of disrespecting Atletico throughout the process.
“Barcelona is disrespecting us; they think they can walk all over us, that we’re weak or stupid.
“But what they’re actually showing the world is a way of acting that defines them.”
He continued his criticism by questioning whether Barcelona can realistically complete a deal for Alvarez.
“They’re lying to us, to the player, to the media, and they’re also lying to their own fans.
“They’re trying to make everyone believe they can take on a deal they’re actually not capable of handling.
“This isn’t the first time Barcelona has acted this way, and the soccer world is well aware of it.
“Last year, they did something very similar with Nico Williams and Athletic Club,” he concluded.
Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez comes after the striker’s impressive spell at Atletico, where he has become one of Europe’s most valuable forwards.
The club had been preparing a major financial package to convince Atletico, but the latest developments could complicate negotiations significantly.
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