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Real Madrid’s pursuit of Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez has ignited one of the most dramatic transfer sagas of the summer after Los Blancos confirmed they had submitted a €150 million offer for the Argentine forward, only for their city rivals to reject the proposal and respond with a scathing public statement.
In an official announcement released on Monday, Real Madrid revealed that its board of directors had approved a €150 million bid for the 26-year-old striker.
“Real Madrid C. F. announces that, following the meeting of the Board of Directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julián Álvarez,” the club stated.
Madrid added that Atlético had “expressed its gratitude for the proposal” before rejecting the offer and referring the Spanish giants to the player’s release clause. Atlético reportedly value Álvarez at his €500 million buyout clause and have shown no interest in negotiating a sale.
However, Atlético wasted little time challenging Real Madrid’s version of events.
In a sharply worded post on social media, the club mocked their cross-city rivals and denied that the offer had ever been seriously considered.
“Official statement with our clarifications regarding the official statement from our neighbors @realmadrid,” Atlético wrote.
The club then listed four points, including: “We neither study nor consider any offer for Julián.”
Atlético also dismissed Madrid’s claim of gratitude, adding: “You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything.”
The statement concluded with a tongue-in-cheek jab at Real Madrid’s academy recruitment, saying: “Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let's see if you stop ‘stealing’ players from our Academy.”
The extraordinary public exchange highlights the fierce rivalry between the two Madrid clubs and underlines Atlético’s determination to keep hold of one of world football’s most sought-after forwards.
Álvarez has developed into one of the game's elite attackers since breaking through at River Plate. Across his professional club career with River Plate, Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, he has made 331 appearances and scored 139 goals. He won the Copa Libertadores with River Plate before enjoying major success at Manchester City, where he collected a UEFA Champions League title, two Premier League crowns, an FA Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The bid comes amid renewed ambition at the Santiago Bernabéu following Florentino Pérez’s re-election as club president and reports linking Real Madrid with a major summer spending spree. Yet Atlético’s response leaves little doubt about their position.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Dave Lopez
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