Atlético Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has ruled out selling Julián Alvarez to Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of dishonesty over their pursuit of the Argentina forward.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus on Thursday, Gil Marín said Atlético would not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances, after Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club remained “very interested” in signing Alvarez, reported by The Guardian

“The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism,” Gil Marín said.

“We can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. You have my word – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

Atlético’s board unanimously backed the club’s position earlier on Thursday, ruling out talks with Barcelona and saying there was “zero consideration” of a transfer before the summer window closes.

Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste hit back at Gil Marín’s comments, calling them a “lack of manners and respect”.

“With those words, they’ve crossed a red line,” Yuste told Movistar.

The dispute comes as Alvarez’s future at Atlético remains uncertain. The 26-year-old was booed by Atlético supporters during Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Villarreal after expressing his desire to leave the club.

Alvarez had previously said he wanted to leave Atlético while on World Cup duty with Argentina this summer, saying he wanted to “fulfil my dream”.

Gil Marín said the situation had left Alvarez struggling.

“Julián is really struggling; there have been people who have set out to deceive and confuse him, and I’m very sorry about that,” he said.

“He’s a great professional and footballer, but he’s very confused and going through a very difficult time, both personally and professionally.”

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the former Manchester City forward. However, Gil Marín said his preference was for Alvarez to remain in Madrid beyond Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

“Our intention and my personal dream is for him to stay with us, to remain at Atlético,” he said.

“If he believes that staying at Atlético is no longer feasible, we will look for an alternative, but it will never, ever be Barcelona.”