Atletico Madrid close the doors on key forward’s potential move to Barcelona | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez’s name could become one of the major transfer sagas of the coming months. FC Barcelona no longer hide their interest in the player, although publicly the Catalan club remain cautious.

Meanwhile, at Atletico de Madrid, there is growing irritation over the movements of the Blaugrana around the Argentine forward.

So much so that SPORT reports that the Rojiblancos made a firm decision to completely block any possible move to the Spotify Camp Nou.

Atletico open to sale, but not to Barcelona

Indeed, Atletico have now decided not to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, although they could consider a transfer to the Premier League if an offer comfortably exceeding €100 million were to arrive.

At Atletico Madrid, Alvarez’s recent comments have not been well received. After all, speaking after the win over Tottenham earlier this week, the 25-year-old striker left open the possibility of a departure at the end of the season.

The player’s entourage argues that his words were misinterpreted, but the Argentine said what he said, and this has further increased the tension between Barcelona and Atletico over an issue that could intensify in the coming months.

Alvarez to Barcelona unlikely. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Within the Atletico camp, there is growing frustration with the movements of the Blaugrana and with some members of Alvarez’s entourage, who are believed to have been working on a potential exit for several weeks, including direct approaches to certain clubs.

Renewal plan and Barcelona’s cautious approach

Atletico’s idea is to extend Alvarez’s contract, which currently runs until 2030. The Argentine forward is protected by a €500 million release clause, and the club want him to remain the flagship of a new project aimed at competing for every major title.

However, Atletico would only consider selling him if an offer approaching €150 million were to arrive, possibly from England, where both Arsenal and Chelsea have shown clear interest.

At Barcelona, the club intends to keep a low profile regarding Alvarez. Internally, they understand that the only possible scenario for a move would be if the player himself publicly expressed a desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt, something that seems far from happening.

Moreover, relations between Atletico’s leadership and Barcelona have deteriorated significantly. This has effectively closed the negotiating channel, making the operation even more difficult.