Atletico Madrid confident Barcelona will fail in bid for Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have now long been linked with the Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, but their interest in the forward has increased significantly in recent months as they will have to get a top-quality replacement of Robert Lewandowski, if the Pole does not continue in their team beyond this season.

However, getting the Argentine from the Colchoneros is not really going to be easy. In fact, Mundo Deportivo reports that the Madrid-based side has no intentions of parting ways with their star forward and is already counting on him to be one of the cornerstones of its team for the next seasons.

Internally, the message is clear. Alvarez is not only expected to stay, but is also seen as a player around whom the next sporting cycle will be built. His contract runs until 2030 and includes a €500 million release clause.

At the same time, Atletico are working on strengthening his importance within the squad through an improved contract. The expected departure of Antoine Griezmann this summer would free up a significant portion of the wage bill, which the club intends to reinvest in improving Alvarez’s salary.

Depending on additional movements in the squad, including the possible departure of Jan Oblak, further financial room could also be created.

The arrival of Apollo Sports’ backing is another key factor, as it is expected to significantly increase Atletico’s financial power in the market. This is being combined with sporting arguments, after a season in which they reached both the Copa del Rey final and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, eliminating Barcelona in both competitions.

Atletico are also calm regarding their contractual control of the situation. While they accept that, in the unlikely event the Argentine himself requested to leave, the €500 million release clause would never realistically be paid, they are equally firm in their valuation. Any departure, even under pressure, would still only be considered for a fee significantly higher than the €100 million they paid to Manchester City.

The Madrid side also sees similarities with the Nico Williams situation at Athletic Club over the recent summer windows, where strong Barcelona interest ultimately changed nothing. In addition, Atletico are clear that, even in a hypothetical scenario where Alvarez asks to leave, they would not want to sell him to a direct rival competing for major titles.

From Barcelona’s perspective, Alvarez remains one of the most attractive long-term options to eventually lead their attack once the Lewandowski cycle comes to an end. His age, profile, and consistency make him a priority target on their shortlist.

Even so, the reality is that Atletico’s stance leaves very little room for negotiation. On a personal level, Alvarez is also fully settled in Madrid, enjoying his environment and surrounded by several Argentine teammates in the squad, which has helped him adapt quickly.

For now, Barcelona’s interest is clear, but Atletico’s control over the situation, both sporting and contractual, makes this one of the most difficult operations in the upcoming summer transfer window.