Atletico issue furious hands-off warning over Arsenal target Alvarez amid Barcelona's interest

Arsenal have been told that striker target Julian Alvarez is not for sale this summer amid interest from the Gunners and Barcelona, according to reports in Spain.

Daily Mail Sport reported last month that Arsenal have a serious interest in the Atletico Madrid star, with staff gathering data on the Argentine since January to assess whether he would fit the team's profile.

The data collected - which included his injury record, physiological numbers and playing output - emphatically suggested he would fit the requirements of Mikel Arteta's side, with Arsenal keen to sign him this summer.

It is understood a huge fee would be demanded if the forward was to move, but, according to Spanish publication Marca, Madrid are not entertaining talks at the moment.

'We are tired of months of lies, half-truths, harassment of our players in mixed zones, and absurd questions that are all part of a pre-arranged campaign,' Madrid are said to have stated. 'Julian is not for sale.

'There has been no offer for our player, nor any meeting. It's just agent talk. Julian has behaved impeccably at all times, giving his all on the pitch and demonstrating maximum professionalism. We know he didn't cause all this noise - he has always behaved perfectly.'

Atletico boss Diego Simeone had conceded there was interest in the forward from multiple clubs, including Arsenal, last month.

'I am not in Julian Alvarez’s head,' Simeone said. 'I suppose it is normal that an extraordinary player like Julian is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona. It's normal because he's very good.'

Alvarez has reportedly now informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave the club, after opting against signing a new contract.

Marca stated that Alvarez has made it clear that he specifically wants to join Barcelona, with the former Man City forward viewing the reigning LaLiga champions as offering him a more ambitious project than Atletico.

Alvarez, who has scored 49 goals in 106 matches for Atletico, reportedly believes Barcelona will offer him a better chance of silverware.

The 26-year-old currently has four years left to run on his contract, which contains a €500million (£430m) release clause - other reports have suggested that Atletico would in fact sell for £130m.

Alvarez's agent Fernando Hidalgo increased speculation over his client's possible move to Barcelona after sharing a post on social media of him travelling into the city.