Atlético de Madrid rejected an official proposal from Real Madrid for Julián Álvarez. The offer, sent in this transfer window, was rejected by the colchonero club, which does not intend to trade its main striker with the Madrid rival.
Julián Álvarez’s name has gained strength in recent days following the re-election of Florentino Pérez. The president of Real Madrid promised a record investment, in the region of 150 million euros, to sign a big name. Álvarez, 26, emerged as one of the viable targets to reinforce the merengue attack alongside Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
The Argentine has been playing for Atlético since 2024, when he was signed for around 75 million fixed euros, with variables. During the season, he established himself as a key player, with impressive numbers of goals and assists. His contract runs until 2030 and includes a high termination fine, which reinforces the club’s firm position.
The rivalry between the two Madrid teams makes any deal extremely complicated. Atlético tends to resist direct sales to Real Madrid, prioritizing keeping the squad competitive in the derby. Close sources indicate that the colchonero club would only consider proposals well above market value, but the initial refusal signals that the operation is practically unviable for now.
Other European clubs remain on the radar. Barcelona is the player’s preferred destination, with reports of contacts and a previous offer of 100 million euros also rejected. Arsenal and PSG have already shown interest on other occasions, but Álvarez would prioritize the Catalan project.
Agent Fernando Hidalgo denied, in recent statements, formal contacts with Real Madrid, which contrasts with the progress of the now confirmed official proposal. For Real, Álvarez’s versatile profile — finisher, hard worker and with experience of winning titles for Argentina — would be a high-level reinforcement.
The transfer market remains open. Atlético’s decision reinforces its stance of not facilitating departures for direct rivals, even in the face of million-dollar offers.