Real Madrid say Atletico Madrid have rejected their €150million offer for Julian Alvarez.The 26-year-old’s current deal is due to expire in 2030, and he has previously been the subject of talks from Barcelona.Madrid, however, released a statement on Tuesday outlining that they had bid for the striker but it had not been successful, due in part to the player’s release clause.“Real Madrid CF announces that, following today’s Board of Directors meeting, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julián Álvarez,” the statement said.“After studying and evaluating it, Atlético de Madrid has thanked the club for the offer, made within the framework of the good relations existing between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”
The Athletic reported in May that Barcelona were preparing a formal offer of around €100million ($116m; £87m) for the forward, while Atletico were demanding a higher fee.Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are fans of Alvarez, while sources added at the time that the player is keen to join the league champions.Alvarez scored 20 goals over 49 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side this season, with ten coming in the Champions League. In 2024-25, he registered 29 goals in 57 matches after joining the La Liga side from Manchester City for a fee of up to €95m that August.The Argentina international’s arrival would be the second addition to Flick’s front line if their pursuit was to be successful, with Barcelona agreeing a €80million (£69.3m; $93.2m) agreement with Newcastle United to sign Anthony Gordon.Meanwhile, The Athletic reported that Real Madrid are aiming to reinforce at right-back — subject to their budget — left-back, at least one centre-back with leadership qualities and bring in a creative midfielder.Jun 9, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
