Atletico's Swift Response: "Everyone Knows Barcelona Are Fraudsters, There's No Price for Álvarez"

Atletico Madrid is set to take legal action against Barcelona before sports authorities over alleged negotiations with Julián Álvarez, a player under contract with the 'Rojiblancos' until 2030, as exclusively revealed by Madrid-based newspaper "AS."

The reaction from the 'Rojiblancos' offices is unequivocal, coming after the Argentine forward dropped a bombshell many anticipated following Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria, expressing his desire to leave: “A transfer is best for everyone. I want to fulfill my dream.”

“We have seen Barcelona’s modus operandi in the past,” sources from Atletico, contacted and quoted by "AS," stated. This past refers to Antoine Griezmann and attempts to lure him into Barcelona's blue and red jersey “when Atletico was fighting for the Champions League against Juventus.” “They promised commissions to his sister, his family, and the player himself…” the sources from the Metropolitano added.

While Griezmann eventually moved to Barcelona in 2019, Atletico's current stance is clear: “There is no amount for which Barcelona can buy Julián; he will not be transferred to Barcelona.” “Either they pay the 500 million euro release clause, or nothing,” the club stated.

The Madrid club immediately took action, even though Julián Álvarez did not directly mention Barcelona in his statements. They will file a complaint against the Catalan club with FIFA's sports court for negotiating with a player under an active contract. “Everyone knows they are a club of fraudsters,” Atletico commented, referencing the “Negreira case” and their actions towards players from other teams. “But they have run into a club that won't laugh at their jokes,” Atletico added.

“Barcelona has acted this way several times. Just last summer, they did it with Nico Williams,” Atletico further explained to "AS." “This is part of their strategy. In recent hours, there have been meetings within Barcelona's inner circle discussing what is about to happen, with some laughing at the move: 'All that's left is for the player to speak out…' And Julián didn't mention Barcelona, we don't know why,” they added, insisting that the case will be taken to FIFA so that sports justice can punish this course of action.