Atletico Madrid have issued a stinging response to Real Madrid after the club submitted a formal offer to sign striker Julian Alvarez.
Real Madrid confirmed they had made a bid worth 150 million euros for Alvarez, releasing an official statement through their board of directors.
The statement read: “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.”
Real Madrid’s statement also claimed that Atletico had expressed gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of good relations between both clubs.
Atletico Madrid wasted little time in firing back, completely contradicting Real Madrid’s version of events in a withering reply posted on X.
Atletico wrote: “Your video of the Pope got cut off before he said he was also an Atleti fan. You may have confused politeness with gratitude, but just to be clear: we don’t thank you for anything.”
The post continued: “We are neither considering nor evaluating any offer for Julián. How could we not get along, when you make us laugh even more than FC Barcelona?”
Atletico also used the moment to take aim at Real Madrid over a separate issue, posting again on X to urge their rivals to stop poaching players from their academy setup.
The sharp social media exchange has done little to improve relations between two clubs who share one of football’s most bitter city rivalries.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had previously hinted at making a blockbuster signing following the conclusion of presidential elections, with the Alvarez move representing that ambitious intent.
It is no secret that Real Madrid have been looking to strengthen their attacking options, and the Argentine World Cup winner would have represented a significant addition to their squad.
Alvarez, 26, had also been linked with a move to Barcelona, though the Spanish champions have not managed to secure any agreement with Atletico Madrid either.
Arsenal were among the clubs also keeping tabs on the striker’s situation, underlining the level of European interest that had built around the former Manchester City forward.
Despite the widespread speculation, Atletico Madrid have made their position abundantly clear, slamming the door shut on any potential departure for Alvarez this summer.
