Atletico Madrid insists Julian Alvarez is not for sale at €490 million

Barcelona's pursuit of Julian Alvarez has been hindered, with Atletico Madrid affirming that Alvarez's release clause is set at €490 million. Atletico's stance is firm, refusing to negotiate on the price, which undermines Barcelona's reported maximum offer of €120 million. Atletico president Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Real Madrid's Florentino Perez have a strained relationship, further complicating the situation. The latter's recent public statement was seen as an attempt to satisfy internal expectations after a €150 million offer was made. Atletico maintains that Alvarez is not available for any lower fee.

• 12:30 PMYahoo Sports — Atletico Madrid Reject Real Madrid’s €150m Bid for Julian Alvarez
• 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — Atletico Madrid’s release clause for Barcelona target is €490 million and he is not for sale – report