Atletico Madrid have slammed claims Julian Alvarez is a ‘victim’ in his ongoing transfer saga.The Spanish giants released a damning statement on Wednesday after Barcelona claimed they were still interested in signing the forward.Atletico have issued a statement denying claims Alvarez is the ‘victim’ in his transfer sagaGettyAlvarez has expressed his desire to leave Atletico for the LaLiga champions this summer.However, Barca had appeared to be out of the race to sign the 26-year-old before the transfer window closes.Real Madrid have also had a bid rejected, whilst talkSPORT revealed at the weekend that Arsenal are actively exploring a deal.Alvarez missed training due to illness on Wednesday as speculation surrounding his future continues.Barcelona’s Alvarez intentionsAtletico’s statement followed comments made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.Speaking to the club’s media channels, he explained: “Let them know that if they are willing to sell the player during this summer transfer window, we would be ready to buy him, provided we can reach an agreement regarding the offer we have made them.”Laporta went on to add: “We remain very interested in Julian Alvarez.“We would like them to accept our offer and we are doing so with the utmost respect for Atletico Madrid. We would like to reach an agreement.”Atletico’s £150million asking price this summer had appeared to rule Barca out of the race for Alvarez’s signature.The Argentina international has four years remaining on his contract after signing from Manchester City in 2024.Laporta has revealed Barcelona remain interested in signing Alvarez this summerGettyMeanwhile, manager Diego Simeone has previously revealed the club do not plan to sell Alvarez.Atletico statementIn the wake of Laporta’s remarks, Atletico issued a bombshell statement, per Marca.The club said: “The player is being portrayed as a victim, but the only victims in the Julian case are us. They’ve hurt us financially and socially.“There is a zero per cent chance of selling him to Barca. This situation isn’t about money, it’s about dignity.“A campaign has been created with many lies and half-truths. The only one paying the price for this is Atletico.”Their stance comes days after Alvarez was booed by Atletico fans during his first appearance of the campaign.Alvarez has expressed his desire to leave Atletico, who value the forward at £150millionGettyAfter being left out for their season opener, he appeared off the bench against Villarreal on Sunday.The striker was loudly jeered as he made his way onto the pitch before being sent down the tunnel by the supporters at full time.Latest on Arsenal’s Alvarez interesttalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs has also provided an update on the Gunners’ pursuit of Alvarez, revealing on The Window: “If the door even slightly opens to allow Arsenal to sign Julian Alvarez, they will move. And yet, this is all about what does the player want to do.“Atleti want clarity. We know he wants Barcelona. Atleti have said publicly and privately they don’t want to sell to Barcelona.“Alvarez didn’t train today. Reports in Spain say he has a stomach bug, but it’s a really tense situation between Atletico Madrid and Julian Alvarez.“When Atleti came to London, and some reports said they were negotiating for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, my understanding is that was a smoke screen.“Actually, there were conversations between Arsenal and Atleti. So Arsenal have confidence late in this window.“They could agree a package with Atletico Madrid, but it all just depends on the player.”