According to reporter Ben Jacobs, who spoke about multiple player situations.
Regarding Julián Álvarez Atlético Madrid have offered Julián Álvarez to Chelsea. The exploration over Julián Álvarez’s transfer to Chelsea was initiated by Atlético Madrid, who took the initiative to explore the possibility of the move with Chelsea. Therefore, it cannot be said that Chelsea have shown substantial interest or have already made exploratory approaches. Contacts between the two sides remain at a very preliminary stage. Chelsea may only have listened to Atlético Madrid’s proposal without making any response or commitment.
Publicly, Atlético Madrid insist Julián Álvarez is not for sale and firmly state they will not sell the player. Privately, however, they are signalling to all interested clubs their underlying stance: they would consider selling Julián Álvarez should a satisfactory offer arrive.
During last week’s talks with Chelsea over the transfer of Nicolas Jackson, Atlético Madrid made this position clear: they would sanction the sale of Julián Álvarez for an offer of 150 million euros. The asking price is undoubtedly lofty, yet it sets out the valuation threshold Atlético Madrid have placed on the player.
The club are close to finalising Nicolas Jackson’s transfer to Aston Villa and are expected to receive around £65 million in transfer revenue. Those funds may be reinvested to sign a new player, yet the €150‑million asking price remains prohibitive for Chelsea. Chelsea’s board must strike a balance between transfer expenditure and squad requirements.
For Julián Álvarez, his primary destination is still Barcelona, yet tensions between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid limit room for manoeuvre over this deal. Atlético Madrid refuse to negotiate with Barcelona, leaving Chelsea and Arsenal as the clubs potentially capable of meeting Atlético Madrid’s valuation. With only days remaining before the transfer window closes, Julián Álvarez’s future remains unresolved.
