Atletico Madrid have turned down a €150 million (£130 million) offer from rivals Real Madrid for Argentine forward Julian Alvarez.
The bid was submitted shortly after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez secured another term in office, fulfilling a campaign promise to pursue a marquee signing following his re-election.
However, Atletico made it clear that Alvarez is not for sale, pointing to the player’s €500 million release clause as the only route to a potential transfer.
Atletico dismiss Madrid approach
Real Madrid confirmed the offer in an official statement after a board meeting.
“Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez,” the club said.
The statement added that Atletico rejected the proposal and referred Madrid to the striker’s release clause.
Atletico responded publicly on social media, mocking the approach and dismissing any possibility of negotiations.
The club later stated: “We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian.”
The response underlined Atletico’s determination to retain one of their most important players ahead of the new season.
Alvarez remains key figure
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth around £81.5 million.
The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season at the club, scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
His contributions helped Atletico secure a fourth-place finish in La Liga and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
The Argentina international, who was part of his country’s 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, has become a central figure in Diego Simeone’s plans.
