Former FIFA World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry has slammed Barcelona transfer target Julian Alvarez for his antics in the summer transfer window.
The Argentina attacker expressed his desire to leave his current club, Atletico Madrid, publicly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Atleti are determined not to allow Alvarez to leave and join their league rivals Barcelona this summer.
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The situation became toxic when Atleti fans booed the star striker and demanded his exit for his antics during their 2-2 draw against Villarreal in their opening LaLiga game of the season.
Pundit Dugarry has called out the 26-year-old attacker’s conduct and slammed his entourage. Speaking to RMC Sport (via Metro UK), he said:
“The player and his entourage are idiots. How can you declare ‘I want to leave the club’? Is he stupid, or what? The best way to leave isn’t to do that. Shut up, be modest, be intelligent in your communication. Didn’t you see what happened with Griezmann? Don’t you know your management? Don’t you know your fans?”
He added that a player who demands an exit should be allowed to leave, but insisted that they must be respectful. He said:
“A player who wants to leave should be allowed to leave. After that, it creates more problems than anything else. I also believe that there needs to be respect on both sides. The first thing to do when you want to try and reach an agreement is not to spit on your fans, on your club.”
Amid the untenable situation, where Alvarez wants to leave and Atleti are unwilling to let him join Barcelona, Arsenal could offer the star forward an escape route. The Gunners are reportedly keen on a deal to sign the Argentina attacker and would be willing to make an offer if the player gives them a green light.
What is Barcelona’s plan B if they fail to sign Julian Alvarez?
Barcelona have reportedly decided not to reinforce their squad if they don’t land their priority target, Julian Alvarez, this summer. The Blaugrana have been linked with a host of attackers, namely Joao Pedro, Eli Junior Kroupi, Luis Suarez, Lautaro Martinez and Viktor Gyokeres, after learning Atleti’s stance on a potential sale of Alvarez.
Now, according to Cadena SER (via BarcaUniversal), the Catalan giants will not sign any attacking reinforcements if they can’t sign Alvarez. Hansi Flick is reportedly ready to use options he already has in the squad. Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon have played as a striker in their previous clubs, and the likes of Raphinha and Dani Olmo can play as a false 9 if needed.
Edited by Vignesh Raja
