Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez to rivals Barcelona.
Atletico stressed that the Spanish champions failed to approach the matter in a professional and respectful manner.
The board, in a statement issued on Thursday, reaffirmed its full support for Atletico’s position, stressing that there would be no talks with Barcelona over the Argentine striker.
The board said Atletico remained open to transfer negotiations conducted in a “professional, ethical and respectful manner,” but maintained that Barcelona did not meet those standards in its pursuit of Alvarez.
“We fully stand behind the club’s previously communicated position that FC Barcelona failed to meet these requirements and, as a result, there will not be any negotiation and there is zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona,” it stated.
The decision comes amid speculation linking the Argentina international with a move to Barcelona during the current transfer window.
Despite the transfer rumours, Atletico expressed confidence that Alvarez would respect the club’s stance and remain committed to the team’s ambitions.
The board said it trusts the forward will continue to focus on helping Atletico achieve the club’s objectives, just as he has done over the past two seasons while representing the Madrid side.
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“Atlético de Madrid trust that our player will understand the decision and will remain focused on helping the club achieve its goals, just as he has done during the two seasons he has been defending our colors,” the board added.
Alvarez on Thursday failed to train with Atletico for a second day running due to illness amid doubts over his future at the club.
Alvarez was booed off by fans on Sunday and missed training on Wednesday.
The former Manchester City striker, who has had his heart set on a move to Barcelona, is understood to be starting to consider whether a potential move to Arsenal would be right for him.
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