Atletico Madrid have launched a pointed social media counterattack against Barcelona after the Spanish capital club accused their rivals of running a smear campaign targeting striker Julian Alvarez.

With reports circulating about an imminent Barcelona bid for Alvarez, Atletico struck back by posting doctored images on X showing Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha wearing Atletico shirts — each accompanied by a deliberately absurd mock transfer offer.

The joke bids included concert tickets, an annual subscription, and a bag of sunflower seeds as proposed payment for Yamal. Alongside a mocked-up image of Raphinha in their colours, Atletico posted the caption: "Don't believe everything you see, especially if it's related to Barca."

Atletico deny any offer and reject 'fake news'

Atletico have made clear that Alvarez is not available and value the Argentina international at up to £130 million. The club used the posts to deliver a broader statement pushing back against what they described as a coordinated effort to unsettle the player.

"In recent months, we've been suffering a smear campaign against one of our players. Leaked information with ulterior motives, 'fake news,' constant disrespect, the culé version of the propaganda machine inventing little stories, calls before direct matchups."

In a separate post, the club also flatly denied reports that they had approached a Barcelona sporting director about joining their scouting operation in the Brazilian market — a claim they called categorically false.

Barcelona remain silent

Barcelona declined to comment when contacted by Sky Sports News. The Spanish FA has also been approached for a response but had yet to reply at the time of reporting.

The summer transfer window opens on June 15 and closes on September 1, meaning the saga over Alvarez's future is likely to intensify in the weeks ahead.