Olmo can't understand Atleti's Alvarez stance

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The transfer window closed with one of the summer's biggest sagas unresolved, with Alvarez remaining at Atleti.

Barca had publicly outlined its interest in the former World Cup winner on numerous occasions, while Arsenal and Real Madrid were also touted as potential suitors.

It was the Blaugrana who were most persistent in their efforts to land the Argentine, but Atletico insisted there was no chance of a deal being struck with its domestic rival, and it stood by that stance until the window closed.

In a club statement, Los Colchoneros said their refusal to deal with Barca came after the Catalan giant failed to negotiate in "a professional, ethical and respectful manner."

Barca instead moved for Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal and Alvarez, who skipped training last week having been jeered by Atletico's fans after a 2-2 draw with Villarreal, must be reintegrated into Diego Simeone's squad.

Olmo had been keen to see Alvarez arrive at Camp Nou, and though he is content with the club's summer business, he does not understand Atletico forcing Alvarez to stay.

"I don't understand it," Olmo said. "We all have our dreams. Julian was clear in that respect. 

"He clearly fought for his dreams, but at the end of the day, there are external situations you can't control, and in that sense, there is no need to say anything else.

"As I have said, life goes on, this doesn't stop. We hope to have a really good season with the competition we have in the squad, because we have signed well."

In 2025-2026, Alvarez contributed to 29 goals in 49 games for Atleti.

Since his debut in August 2024, he has scored the most goalsand had the most shots of any player for the club.

It remains to be seen whether he will be involved in Atleti's trip to face Athletic Club on Sunday, after he was omitted from Simeone's squad for last week's 3-1 win at Sevilla.