Lamine Yamal becomes unexpected target after Atletico Madrid explode over Julian Alvarez Barcelona rumors

Atletico Madrid have publicly gone after Barcelona after fresh rumors linked Julian Alvarez with a summer move to the Catalan club. The Spanish giants accused Barcelona of spreading “fake news” and running a campaign to unsettle one of their biggest stars. Atletico also made it very clear that the Argentina forward is not for sale, even as transfer talk around him continues to grow across Europe.

The tension quickly became one of the biggest talking points in Spanish football this week. Atletico used social media to mock Barcelona by sharing edited pictures of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha in Atletico shirts along with sarcastic fake offers. One joke offer for Yamal even included Bad Bunny concert tickets and sunflower seeds. Meanwhile, in England, Arsenal are dealing with transfer questions of their own after several clubs asked about Gabriel Jesus, with the North London side now valuing the Brazilian forward at around £20 million.

Julian Alvarez and Gabriel Jesus become central figures in two major transfer battles

Atletico Madrid’s reaction came after several Spanish reports linked Julian Alvarez with Barcelona. According to Atletico, the club has spent months dealing with what it believes are attempts to create noise around the striker’s future. In a statement posted on X, Atletico wrote: “Don’t believe everything you see, especially if it’s related to Barca.” The club also accused Barcelona-linked stories of showing “constant disrespect” toward Alvarez and Atletico itself.

The 26-year-old striker remains one of Atletico’s most important players. He scored 20 goals in 49 matches this season and continues to attract attention because of his performances for both club and country. Reports in Spain claim Atletico value Alvarez at around £130 million, which would make him one of the most expensive transfers in football history if any deal ever happened. Barcelona have not officially responded to Atletico’s comments.

At the same time, Arsenal are listening to interest in Gabriel Jesus ahead of the new season. According to reports from England, multiple clubs have contacted Arsenal to ask about the Brazilian forward’s situation. Arsenal are willing to sell him, but only if the right offer arrives.

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and has scored 32 goals while adding 22 assists in 123 appearances. However, injuries have slowed his progress over the last year. A knee ligament injury suffered in January 2025 kept him out for months, and he started only three Premier League matches this season. With Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz moving ahead in the attacking order, Arsenal now appear open to reshaping their squad this summer.




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