Atletico Madrid do not want to sell 26-year-old superstar to Barcelona – report | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez is set to be one of the major names in the upcoming summer transfer window. The 26-year-old Atletico Madrid forward has emerged as the priority target for FC Barcelona, who are in the market for a new No. 9.

The Argentine international, for his part, has already teased the possibility of an exit in a recent interview, when he said:

“I don’t know. Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know. But I’m very happy here. They asked me a question that will be repeated everywhere. 

“I’m happy, I take each day as it comes. I work to improve and to give my best here.” 

Atletico Madrid take hard stance

However, according to SPORT, Atletico Madrid’s position is firm. The Spanish capital giants have no intention of facilitating his transfer to Barcelona.

Alvarez is seen as one of the key figures in the project they are building, and there is a clear reluctance to strengthen a direct rival by letting him leave. In the event of a sale, priority would be given to a move outside Spain.

The situation is further complicated by strained relations between Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany and Barcelona’s leadership.

Signing Alvarez will be a challenge for Barcelona. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

During the presidential campaign, Joan Laporta aimed barbs at Alemany, suggesting that the Catalans’ current director, Deco, was much better at the job than the Spaniard. These remarks were not well received and make any potential negotiations even more difficult.

Furthermore, Atletico Madrid also prefer that any discussions take place directly between clubs, without the involvement of intermediaries who have participated in past dealings with Barcelona. It could pose another hurdle.

Finances also a concern

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Barcelona will be the financial aspect of the operation, as Alvarez will not come cheaply.

From Barça’s perspective, Financial Fair Play remains a key constraint. The Catalans are not yet operating under the 1:1 rule, which forces difficult decisions, as they are also eyeing a top-quality centre-back for the summer.

In addition to Barcelona, clubs such as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring the striker’s situation, while a renewal at Atletico is not off the table entirely either.

So, as things stand, the Blaugrana’s pursuit of the 2022 World Cup winner will be anything but straightforward.