Barcelona ramps up push for Julian Alvarez as Atletico Madrid blocks transfer

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and chief scout Joao Amaral travelled to Madrid to meet Julian Alvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo, aiming to break Atletico Madrid’s firm stance that the Argentine striker is not for sale. President Joan Laporta set an internal deadline of 10 August for a deal, after the club’s first €100 million offer was rejected. A revised bid of around €115 million has been prepared, but Atletico’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín reiterated that the club will not sell to a direct rival.

Alvarez has publicly expressed his desire to join Barcelona, saying he wants to “fulfil his dream” and has communicated this to the club’s hierarchy. Barcelona view him as the ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski under coach Hansi Flick. While Barcelona continue negotiations, Premier League champions Arsenal are also monitoring the situation as a potential alternative, though Atletico has indicated a willingness to discuss with Arsenal and PSG.

Despite internal options for the number‑nine role, Barcelona consider Alvarez their top target, and the transfer saga remains unresolved as the summer window approaches.