Atletico Madrid has publicly accused Barcelona of running a "smear campaign" and spreading "fake news" regarding their attempts to sign Julian Alvarez this summer. The Spanish club's social media response came after reports linked Barcelona with a big-money move for the Argentine striker, following their recent £69m acquisition of Antony Gordon from Newcastle.

Atletico insists Alvarez, who has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances this season, is not available for transfer and values him at up to £130m. Their Instagram posts mocked Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha in Atletico shirts, with joke bids including Bad Bunny concert tickets and sunflower seeds. One caption read: "Don't believe everything you see, especially if it's related to Barca."

The club specifically denied making any offer to Barcelona sporting director Deco to join their scouting team in Brazil, while criticizing what they called "leaked information with ulterior motives" and "calls before direct matchups." Barcelona declined to comment when approached by Sky Sports News.

This public feud between two La Liga giants adds spice to an already tense transfer window, with Atletico clearly determined to hang onto their prized asset despite Barcelona's continued interest.