Barcelona has identified Atletico Madrid’s star striker, Julian Alvarez, as a primary target for the upcoming summer transfer window. While securing a deal presents significant challenges due to Atletico’s current reluctance to sell, there remains a possibility for an agreement in the coming months.
Barcelona is unwilling to exceed €100 million for a new striker, a figure currently insufficient for Atletico to consider a sale. Consequently, Barcelona has informed Alvarez that for any transfer to materialize, he must explicitly state his desire to leave the Estadio Metropolitano.
According to Cadena SER, as reported by Sport, actions may indeed be in motion. There is a prevailing sentiment within Atletico Madrid’s leadership that Alvarez is contemplating an exit this summer, a stance that has reportedly been held by the Argentine for several weeks.
Atletico’s management is also aware of discussions between Alvarez’s representatives and various clubs, including Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain has also expressed interest in a potential summer transfer, and Arsenal, alongside their fellow Champions League finalists, are also in the running.
Atleti Won’t Make it Easy for Alvarez to Leave
Even if Alvarez communicates his intention to depart this summer, Atletico’s position is unlikely to soften significantly. They are seeking a substantial financial package to even contemplate the possibility, which could complicate Barcelona’s efforts to sign him as a replacement for Lewandowski.
The unfolding situation with Alvarez in the coming weeks and months will be highly interesting to observe. His chances of leaving increase if he formally expresses a desire to move on, but as of now, no official communication has been made to the club’s hierarchy.