Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín stated flatly that Álvarez will not transfer to Barcelona as long as he leads the club, calling the striker confused despite praising his professionalism. Barcelona VP Rafa Yuste fired back, saying the comments crossed a red line and angered him, while coach Hansi Flick stayed out of it.
Álvarez turned down Arsenal and PSG but prefers Barcelona; Atlético backs deals to Premier League clubs like Arsenal but refuses Barcelona outright, leaving his future uncertain as the window closes.