Atlético Madrid need Julian Alvarez sale to solve internal problems but Barcelona still out of picture | OneFootball

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Julian Alvarez have been embroiled in one of the ugliest transfer sagas in recent history.

The Catalans are still not giving up on the player who dreams of wearing Blaugrana, but Atletico have gone way too far with their stubborn stance.

Alvarez looks extremely unhappy at Atletico and, more importantly, the fans have completely turned on him, booing him intensely during their 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

Now, according to Jose Alvarez Haya of El Chiringuito TV, Julian will not play for Barça this season as Atletico are unwilling to sanction his transfer to the Catalans at any cost.

Alvarez only wants Barcelona

Since the beginning of the summer, the player’s position has not changed.

Alvarez only wants Barcelona and has pushed throughout the summer to make the transfer happen.

However, Atletico are said to have no intention of fulfilling a promise that would have allowed the striker to leave under the right circumstances.

Atletico Madrid will not sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That leaves Barça facing the frustrating prospect of missing out on a player who has made them his clear preference.

Barcelona have spent much of the window trying to find a way through Atletico’s resistance, but there comes a point when sporting director Deco must decide whether continuing to wait is worth the risk.

Atletico left with an Arsenal problem

Interestingly, Atletico’s refusal to sell to Barça could now create a major problem of their own.

The Madrid club need to sell Alvarez in order to make further additions to their squad. With their own stance to block Barcelona, Arsenal are the only remaining alternative.

The Premier League champions are willing to make a move for the Argentine striker, should he give the green light.

However, the problem is obvious. Alvarez does not want Arsenal. His priority remains Barcelona.

Problems are brewing at Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This puts all parties involved in an extraordinary deadlock. Ultimately, someone will have to compromise, and it would only benefit Barça if that party is Atletico.

Barça cannot wait forever

From Barcelona’s perspective, there is little more Alvarez himself could realistically have done.

His desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt has been clear, but Barça cannot control Atletico’s decision.

With the 1 September deadline approaching and Hansi Flick still needing another centre-forward, waiting indefinitely would carry enormous risk.

Barcelona must therefore continue working on alternatives while keeping an eye on Madrid for any late change of position.

The other option would be to wait for Alvarez and go into the new season without a natural striker, and it remains to be seen whether Hansi Flick is comfortable enough to do that in the coming days.