Barcelona have hit back at Atlético Madrid in the increasingly heated Julián Álvarez transfer saga, with vice-president Rafa Yuste accusing Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín of crossing a “red line” with his public comments about the Catalan club.

The dispute erupted after Gil Marín strongly criticised Barcelona’s pursuit of Álvarez and insisted Atlético would “never, ever” sell the Argentina international to their La Liga rivals. Atlético’s board has also backed the decision not to negotiate with Barcelona over the striker.

Yuste responded angrily, defending Barcelona’s conduct and insisting the club had acted professionally and respectfully throughout the situation. With Atlético refusing to negotiate, Barcelona’s hopes of landing Alvarez before the transfer deadline appear increasingly remote, while Arsenal remain actively interested and Manchester City have also been linked with a possible move.

Elsewhere, Barcelona are continuing to work on their squad before deadline day. The club is reportedly looking to sign a young left-footed centre-back to provide competition and support for Pau Cubarsí, while defender Álvaro Cortés is set to join Royal Antwerp in a permanent move worth just over €3 million.

Barcelona will also have to cope without Eric García for their Champions League opener against Feyenoord on September 9, with the defender suspended following his red card against Atlético Madrid last season.

With the Alvarez pursuit now caught in a bitter dispute between two Spanish giants, Barcelona face a race against time to determine whether they can still land their preferred striker or whether they must turn their attention elsewhere.

Can Barcelona still pull off a stunning Julián Álvarez deal before the transfer deadline?