Overview
- Atlético Madrid publicly told Spanish media on Wednesday that there is a “zero per cent chance” they will sell Julián Álvarez to Barcelona, saying the decision is based on rivalry and perceived harm rather than price.
- Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club still has an offer and will keep hope alive while coach Hansi Flick accepted the team could finish the window without signing a new centre‑forward.
- Reports say Atlético want about €150m for Álvarez, a fee that makes Arsenal the most viable alternative if they choose to meet the valuation and the player agrees to move to London.
- Across England and Europe other deadline dealings are active: Liverpool are pursuing Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh while scouting 18‑year‑old Matías Orozco, Manchester City completed Ayyoub Bouaddi and Tottenham have agreed a loan with a £60m obligation for Omar Marmoush.
- The standoff over Álvarez highlights how club politics and record valuations are producing linked, last‑minute moves where one blocked transfer can force big tactical and financial fallback plans before the September 1 deadline.