Real Madrid's £130m Alvarez bid rejected

Real Madrid have had a 150m euro (£130m) offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real president Florentino Perez last week pledged to make a 150m euro offer for an unnamed "galactico" player if re-elected to his position.

Having successfully retained control on Sunday, Perez made good on his promise.

However, the move for the 26-year-old Argentina forward was turned down by his club, who cited Alvarez's release clause of 500m euros (£430m).

In a statement, Real said: "Following the meeting of the board of directors held today, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Alvarez.

"After reviewing and evaluating the offer, Club Atletico de Madrid has expressed its gratitude for the proposal, made within the framework of the good relations between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player's release clause."

Atletico quoted the Real Madrid statement on X alongside a series of laughing emojis., external

In a subsequent post, external they stated: "You must have confused education with gratitude, but to leave no doubt: we don't thank you for anything.

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

In a final post, Atletico added, external: "P.S. Taking advantage of the good relationship with your new president, let's see if you stop 'stealing' players from our Academy. Thanks a lot, @realmadrid!"

Former Manchester City player Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, joined the La Liga club in an £81.5m deal in 2024.

He scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico last season as they finished fourth in the table and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Arbeloa exit confirmed

Real have also confirmed the anticipated news that head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will leave the club, with Jose Mourinho set to be appointed in his place.

Arbeloa was promoted from his role leading Real Madrid B in January, replacing former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso, and that he would not continue following a trophyless campaign.