New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) Real Madrid have reportedly seen a massive 150 million euros offer for Julian Alvarez turned down by city rivals Atletico Madrid, in what would have been one of the biggest transfers in football history.

According to reports, Real submitted the formal proposal in an attempt to lure the Argentine forward across the Spanish capital divide. However, Atletico rejected the approach, insisting that any potential deal would have to meet the player’s release clause.

Alvarez has been a standout performer since arriving from Manchester City in 2024. The Argentina international has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances for Atletico Madrid and enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 campaign, finding the net 20 times in 49 matches across all competitions. His European form was particularly eye-catching, with 10 goals coming in the UEFA Champions League.

The 26-year-old remains under contract at Atletico until 2030, but speculation surrounding his future continues to grow. Reports suggest Alvarez is interested in seeking a new challenge, with both Arsenal and Barcelona also monitoring his situation.

The latest development comes after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly promised before his recent reelection campaign that the club would pursue a marquee signing and submit a record-breaking offer for a world-class player. Alvarez now appears to have been the target of that ambition.

Media reports claim Real Madrid released a statement confirming the bid, saying the club had offered 150 million euros for the player’s registration rights. Atletico, while acknowledging the proposal and maintaining cordial relations with their city rivals, declined the offer and pointed to the terms of Alvarez’s contractual release clause.

While Alvarez focuses on helping Argentina defend their FIFA World Cup title, transfer speculation is expected to intensify throughout the summer.

In a separate development, Real Madrid confirmed the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa from the club. His exit has fuelled reports that Jose Mourinho could be in line for a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu as head coach.

Madrid paid tribute to Arbeloa in an official statement, thanking the former defender for his years of service and praising the loyalty, dedication and professionalism he displayed from his days in the club’s academy through to his various coaching roles.

–IANS

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