Atletico Madrid president shuts down Barcelona’s Julian Alvarez pursuit: ‘Laporta knows where Alvarez will play’

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has suffered another setback after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo insisted that the Argentine forward is not leaving the club.

The latest Barcelona transfer news has largely centred around Alvarez’s future, but Atletico continue to reject the possibility of a sale despite the Catalan club already submitting an official offer.

The Barcelona bid for Julian Alvarez remains on the table after Joan Laporta confirmed that an offer had been sent to Atletico Madrid. 

However, with negotiations yet to produce a breakthrough, the Blaugrana could eventually move on to other targets if the Madrid club continue to block the transfer.

Enrique Cerezo on Barcelona’s Julian Alvarez pursuit

As speculation over the Julian Alvarez transfer continues to grow, Cerezo once again made Atletico Madrid’s position clear. 

Enrique Cerezo has closed the door on Julian Alvarez exit. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Speaking publicly, the club president dismissed suggestions that the Argentine could leave and even sent a message directly to Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

“Julian Alvarez? He’s an Atletico de Madrid player. Or haven’t you got the message yet?”

The Atletico Madrid chief then referenced his relationship with Laporta while reiterating that there is no uncertainty over the striker’s future.

“Laporta is a good friend, a great president, and he knows full well where Julián ‘Lopez’ is going to play next year,” he added.

Although Cerezo once again mistakenly referred to Alvarez by the wrong surname, his message left little room for interpretation. 

Barcelona’s pursuit will not halt

The Barcelona transfer for Julian Alvarez continues to be one of the club’s biggest priorities this summer, with Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco viewing the Argentina international as an ideal addition to the attack.

Laporta has confirmed Barcelona are interested in Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, Atletico Madrid are refusing to soften their stance even after Alvarez publicly admitted that he wants to leave the club. 

Addressing those comments, Cerezo insisted the situation had been put behind them.

“We all make mistakes in life. He had a slip-up, but everything can be forgiven. 

“I’ll say it again: Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player and will remain an Atlético Madrid player,” he noted.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have made it clear they will not wait indefinitely. 

Laporta recently confirmed that the club’s proposal “will not remain valid forever,” meaning the Catalan side are prepared to activate alternative plans if negotiations fail to move forward.

Source: SPORT