Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has firmly declared the club will not transfer Julián Álvarez this summer despite Barcelona's attempt to lure the Argentina striker to the Camp Nou. Barça president Joan Laporta revealed earlier this week his club has made a "substantial offer" to Atlético to sign Álvarez but warned that it will stand for a limited time only.

Asked about Laporta's remarks, Cerezo told reporters on Thursday: "Laporta is a good friend, he's a great president, and he knows full well -- as you all know -- where Julián Álvarez will be playing next year. He is an Atlético Madrid player and will continue to be an Atlético Madrid player." Álvarez, 26, recently told ESPN that he had informed Atlético of his desire to move on after just two seasons at the Metropolitano stadium.

Atlético signed Álvarez in the summer of 2024 from Manchester City on an initial €75 million ($86m) transfer. The Rojiblancos already rejected a €150m ($171m) bid last month from Real Madrid for Álvarez, who is also a reported target of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Laporta continues to hope that Atlético will reconsider, stating the offer is "very good" but won't be unlimited in time.

Álvarez, who has one goal in six appearances for Argentina in the tournament, is one of nine players representing Atlético in Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.