Real Madrid have confirmed that Atlético Madrid have rejected a €150 million offer for Argentine forward Julián Álvarez.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, Los Blancos revealed that their Board of Directors approved an offer worth €150 million for the federative rights of the player, but Atlético declined the proposal despite the strong relationship between the two clubs.
According to Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid thanked the club for the offer before making it clear that any potential transfer would require the activation of Álvarez’s release clause.
“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 statement read.
The rejection underlines Atlético’s determination to keep hold of one of their most important players, despite growing interest from their city rivals.
Álvarez has become a key figure since arriving at Atlético, with his performances for both club and country establishing him as one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.
Real Madrid’s willingness to submit a €150 million bid highlights the club’s desire to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the new season, but Atlético’s response suggests any deal will be extremely difficult to complete.
Attention will now turn to whether Real Madrid are prepared to meet the player’s release clause which has a standard release clause of €500 million ($577 million) or explore alternative targets as they continue their summer transfer plans.
For now, Atlético Madrid have sent a clear message: Julián Álvarez is not for sale at €150 million.
