Real Madrid have revealed that their €150 million (£129.4 million) bid for Julián Alvarez has been rejected by city rivals Atlético Madrid. The Argentina striker has netted 49 goals in 106 appearances for Atlético since joining from Manchester City in 2024.
Alvarez's Situation
The 26-year-old, whose contract runs until 2030, is reportedly seeking a move and has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona. Florentino Pérez, before his reelection as Real Madrid's president, promised to submit a club-record offer for an unnamed "great player."
"Real Madrid CF announces that, following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of €150m to Club Atlético de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julián Alvarez," the club stated. "After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atlético de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's release clause."
Alvarez, currently preparing for Argentina's World Cup defence, scored 20 goals in 49 matches for Atlético this season, with 10 coming in the Champions League.
Arbeloa Departs, Mourinho Return Looms
In related news, Álvaro Arbeloa has left Real Madrid, paving the way for José Mourinho's return as head coach. Madrid expressed its "deep gratitude" to Arbeloa, "who throughout his career at the club, from the time he joined our academy, has always demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and professionalism." Arbeloa took over in January, replacing Xabi Alonso.
