Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid reject £129m Real Madrid bid for forward and mock rivals on social media

"You make us laugh even more than Barcelona," said the official Atletico Madrid social media team as they mocked rivals Real Madrid after rejecting their £129m (€150m) bid for striker Julian Alvarez.

A statement from Real confirmed the bid, which would be a record transfer for the club, had been rejected despite the "good relations" between both teams, with Atletico reminding them of Alvarez's £431m (€500m) release clause.

Atletico then posted on X, formerly Twitter, mocking their local rivals, while also stating they would not consider any offer for their striker, who is contracted until 2030.

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"You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything," the club said.

"We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian. How could we not get along when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona.

"Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let's see if you stop "stealing" players from our Academy. Thanks a lot."

A similar situation unfolded in May when Barcelona were linked with a move for the Argentina striker.

Atletico accused Barcelona of running a "smear campaign" and "fake news" over their attempts to sign the player.

The club then posted parody posts of Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha in Atletico shirts.

Perez's 'galactico' promise to fans

Before being re-elected as club president, Perez promised supporters that he would make an offer for a 'galactico' immediately after retaining his position.

His claim came after his challenge, Enrique Riquelme, promised to sign Erling Haaland if elected. He went as far as to showcase a shirt with the player's name on the back, leading the Premier League club to consider taking legal action.

There was some speculation that Perez's target would be Michael Olise, but this idea was shot down by Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer was insisted the Frenchman was not for sale.

Speaking to Spanish TV station Horizonte, the 79-year-old said: "On Tuesday or so, I'm going to make an offer to a major Champions League club for a great player. It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid in its history."

"Olise is a great player but it's not Olise. It's not [Jeremy] Doku either.

"We're going to make a significant offer, at least around €150m. He needs to be a player from midfield who can go forward. And it's not Haaland.

"The player is not from the Premier League. And the first thing we'll do is talk to the club. It's a signing meant to generate excitement because that's what it's all about, generating excitement."

Perez's re-election is also set to be the trigger to confirm the re-appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager, with it being confirmed that interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa will leave the club.

The signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries are also set to be announced.

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid reject £129m Real Madrid bid for forward and mock rivals on social media