Transfer news: Julián reportedly rejects Manchester City as Atletico reveals its plan

Julián Álvarez is back at the center of the transfer market. According to Cadena SER, Manchester City expressed interest in bringing the forward back and contacted Atletico Madrid, but the Argentine rejected a return to his former club. At the same time, Atletico insists its plan is “very clear”

Julián Álvarez is back at the center of the transfer market. According to Cadena SER, Manchester City expressed interest in bringing the forward back and contacted Atletico Madrid about his situation, but the Argentine rejected a return to his former club and remains against moving back to England. At the same time, Atletico insists its plan is “very clear”: the club expects the striker to quickly rejoin the squad and be available to face Athletic once the transfer window has closed.

According to Cadena SER, Julián's response to Manchester City's interest is similar to the stance he had already taken when the possibility of joining Arsenal emerged.

The forward has therefore reportedly ruled out a return to English football despite interest from two Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid continues to publicly present a very different scenario from a potential departure.

Is Julián Álvarez staying at Atletico Madrid?

Mateu Alemany, Atletico's director of men's professional football, said Saturday that the club's plan for Julián is “very clear.”

“The plan is very clear. He [Julián Álvarez] had a few days when he wasn't feeling well, yesterday he trained again and we hope he rejoins us quickly and is available, I hope, for the next league match,” Alemany told ‘Movistar’ before Atletico Madrid's game against Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán.

Atletico's next league match will be against Athletic next Saturday. By then, the transfer registration windows in both Spain and England will already be closed.

Alemany's comments reinforce Atletico's position regarding the forward's future: the club expects to have him available once the transfer window closes.

Did Julián Álvarez rejected Manchester City return?

According to Cadena SER, Manchester City contacted Atletico to inquire about Julián's situation and explore the possibility of bringing back the player who left the English club to join the Spanish side.

The same report states that the Argentine rejected that possibility and remains against a return to England.

His stance would be the same as the one he took amid interest from Arsenal, another English club mentioned as a possible destination.

The situation comes after his intention to play for Barcelona this season was frustrated.

Atletico insists: “We have been very clear”

Alemany also said there is regular communication between the club and the player.

“We all talk to him [Julián Álvarez] a lot. Yesterday at training I was talking to him and everything was fine. Normal,” he said.

The executive also believes Atletico's position regarding the Argentine's future has already been sufficiently explained.

“I think the fans are tired of this subject. We have been very clear, very firm,” he said.

Alemany also referred back to comments from Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, Atletico Madrid's CEO, who has already stated “repeatedly, clearly and firmly” that the Argentine forward will not be transferred to Barcelona.