Atletico Madrid director clears the air on Barcelona target’s future – ‘Don’t see any story here’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have their sights set firmly on a potential summer move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

The Blaugrana have made it a priority to sign a new centre-forward before next season, with Robert Lewandowski’s contract expiring at the end of the season and Ferran Torres continuing to blow hot and cold.

Alvarez is seen as the primary target within the Catalan club, although a move will not be easy as Atletico Madrid do not wish to sell.

Nonetheless, the recent comments made by the Argentine international, wherein he left the door open for a possible summer exit, have given Barça some hope about a move.

Mateu Alemany shuts it down

However, speaking to the media, Atletico Madrid sporting director, Mateu Alemany, has downplayed Alvarez’s comments, claiming that everything the player says gets taken out of context and that he is very happy at the club.

Alemany insists Alvarez is happy at Atletico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Julian Alvarez made it very clear that he is very happy at Atleti. Every little thing he says gets interpreted in a different way,” said Alemany, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Confirming the club’s intention to extend Alvarez’s contract, which already runs until the summer of 2030, Alemany added:

“He has 4 more years on his deal, and we hope he stays much longer and even extends it. I don’t see any story here with Julian.”

This is the stance shared by everyone at Atletico Madrid, with reports even suggesting that the Rojiblancos have already decided not to enter any sort of negotiation or deal with Barcelona for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.

However, the same report suggested that they might be open to offers from the Premier League as long as they are in excess of €100 million.