Barcelona’s pursuit of a new attacking option has become one of the biggest talking points of the summer transfer window, with the club continuing to search for long-term solutions in the final third.
The Catalan giants are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign, with the striker position considered one of the most important areas to address.
However, one of their biggest transfer targets has now become the centre of a growing dispute between two La Liga heavyweights.
The situation has developed beyond normal negotiations, with the matter now involving football authorities.
Barcelona’s interest in one of Europe’s top forwards has triggered a formal complaint from his current club.
According to COPE, Atletico Madrid have officially reported Barcelona to FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
Atletico claim that Barcelona maintained contact with the Argentine striker despite him still being under contract at the Metropolitano, with the Madrid club arguing that the Catalans did not have permission to negotiate with the player.
The complaint asks both governing bodies to investigate Barcelona’s actions and determine whether any disciplinary measures should be taken.
Atletico believe discussions took place during a period where Alvarez remained protected by his existing contract, meaning clubs are not normally allowed to approach a player without authorisation from his current side.
The Madrid club’s argument is that Barcelona’s approach goes against regulations surrounding player negotiations and transfers.
The complaint follows earlier comments from Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who had already warned that the club intended to take action against Barcelona.
“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,” he said.
Gil Marin also criticised Barcelona’s approach, adding, “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, “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.”
For Barcelona, Alvarez remains viewed as a top target, but the pursuit has now entered a complicated stage with Atletico refusing to make negotiations straightforward.
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