The possible signing of the Spider had generated great expectations since Florentino Pérez anticipated, during the campaign prior to his presidential reelection, that the club was preparing an investment of 150 million euros to acquire a top-level player.
On the eve of the upcoming European transfer market, the name of Julián Álvarez is on everyone's lips. After linking him with several clubs for the next season, such as Barcelona, Arsenal, or Paris Saint-Germain, a surprising interest has recently emerged for the forward from Atlético Madrid: Real Madrid. In recent hours, various rumors indicated that the White House was considering making a substantial offer for the former River player, and it has finally been confirmed.
Through an official statement, the white club confirmed that it sent a formal proposal to its Madrid rival for 150 million euros. "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 player Julián Álvarez", reads the text released by the Merengue.
The statement from Real Madrid
Shortly after, Atlético responded, maintaining the position it has held for some time regarding one of its key figures. "After studying and evaluating it, Club Atlético de Madrid has thanked the offer made, carried out within the framework of the good relations existing between both clubs, and has rejected it referring to the player's release clause", stated Real Madrid in its same publication.
In this way, the rojiblanco made it clear that it is not willing to negotiate below the conditions set in the Argentine striker's contract. The release clause exceeds 500 million euros, a figure very far from the proposal presented by its classic rival.
Florentino Pérez promised an investment of 150 million in a "galactic" signing
Without mentioning names, the executive had assured that it was a player with the potential to become a new "galactic," and many considered that he was referring to players like Michael Olise, Vitinha, or João Neves. Ultimately, the targeted player turned out to be Julián Álvarez, one of the most outstanding footballers at Atlético and a key piece for both his team and the Argentina National Team.
For now, everything seems to indicate that the operation has come to a halt. The difference between the presented offer and the amount demanded by Atlético (350 million) is too wide and forces Real Madrid to rethink its strategy if it intends to insist on the forward or look for another player of equal or greater level.
The mockery from Atlético Madrid on social media after the announcement