Overview
- Atlético launched a string of sarcastic social-media posts on Friday that mocked Barcelona and then issued a formal statement accusing a 'smear campaign' over transfer talk about Julián Álvarez.
- The club reiterated that Álvarez is not for sale and set an extreme condition demanding a large cash-only payment reportedly framed as €500 million to be deposited at LaLiga headquarters.
- Spanish outlets reported Barcelona submitted an initial offer of about €100 million, a bid Atlético say they never received and that they would reject at current valuations.
- Arsenal is reported to have made a proposal above €100 million that included a player to start negotiations while L'Equipe says PSG has cooled interest because of perceived indecision.
- Agent Fernando Hidalgo is arranging meetings as Álvarez watches from Argentina's national-team camp, but Atlético's public stance and Barcelona's spending limits make a quick deal before the World Cup unlikely.