Arsenal hit with brutal Julian Alvarez blow as Atletico Madrid chief speaks out

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Atletico Madrid have vowed not to sell Arsenal target Julian Alvarez for even €200million this summer, as their bitter row with Barcelona continues. The Argentina star has been linked with a move away from the Metropolitano this summer.

Premier League champions Arsenal are among his admirers, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that his side’s bid remains on the table - albeit with a deadline attached to it.

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil has now spoken out and claimed that his side are not even entertaining thoughts of a sale.

Speaking in an interview with club media, he said: "My opinion is clear. The club's will is clear. We have made this clear to the player and his agent, and to the president of Barcelona. I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place in the world for Julian, and Julian is the perfect striker for Atlético de Madrid. We want to keep him.

"I heard some statements from the Barcelona president [Joan Laporta] saying his offer wasn't unlimited. Our response is indeed unlimited: we don't want to transfer him. We didn't accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million."

While Gil is convinced that Alvarez will remain at Atletico Madrid, he has also taken aim at Laporta for his attempts to tempt the striker to the Camp Nou.

He added: “I know Joan well enough to believe that he is constantly playing to the media and to the fans for his own personal circus. And I am not offended. I have a good personal relationship with him.

“I spoke to him personally. I told him: ‘Please, just let it go. We do not want to sell him and we are not going to sell him. Stop insisting’

“But he keeps this situation alive because, in part, he enjoys it. He is frivolous and loves maintaining this relationship with the fans and the media. But he knows perfectly well that that Julian will not be playing for FC Barcelona next season.

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“But he enjoys keeping this game going with the fans and the media, and worst of all, with Julian himself.

“The truth is that we know Julian. We have worked with him over the last two seasons, and we have absolutely no doubt about his character or his professionalism.

“Julian has been poorly advised since the end of the season, and that is in some way, what leads me to believe that his performances, his attitude, will continue to be exactly what they have always been: that of a very good player, a good person and an outstanding professional.

“I think both the player and the supporters have it very simple. Everything depends on the player’s attitude and also on his performances.

“In the end, Atletico Madrid knows exactly what it wants. It wants committed players, players who consistently deliver on the pitch. That is why I believe every Atletico Madrid supporters’ dream, and my own, is to see Julian scoring goals and winning trophies for Atletico Madrid. I believe it will happen.”

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