Atletico Madrid refuse to budge from stance on Barcelona target despite Deco’s meeting with agent | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has dragged on longer than the club would have liked, with Atletico Madrid determined not to sell their star player to a direct rival.

This is despite the fact that Alvarez has openly stated his desire to leave the club this summer after a disappointing campaign.

In order to break the deadlock, Barcelona sporting director Deco recently met Alvarez’s agent in Madrid, holding talks over the player’s potential move to Camp Nou this summer.

Atletico Madrid CEO taking it personally

According to Ruben Uria, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin is taking the Alvarez situation personally, and has insisted on several occasions that the Argentine will not be sold under any circumstances.

Deco’s recent trip to Madrid is said to have done nothing to change that stance.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Atletico’s position remains exactly the same, with the club adamant that Alvarez will only be allowed to leave if his release clause of €490 million is triggered, an amount that is simply unfeasible for Barcelona.

It is a firm and deliberate message from Atletico, who appear intent on making life as difficult as possible for their rivals.

Gil Marin’s personal involvement goes to show just how strongly the Madrid club feel about keeping hold of their prized asset.

A frustrating wait for Barcelona

The latest update represents another blow for Barcelona, who continue to hold Alvarez as their top target to strengthen the number nine position.

The Catalans have a formal offer of close to €100 million on the table, but that figure falls dramatically short of Atletico’s valuation.

Barcelona only want to sign Alvarez. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

With the two clubs so far apart, and Atletico refusing to even entertain negotiations, a breakthrough looks increasingly unlikely.

Barcelona’s main hope continues to rest with the player himself. Alvarez is due to rejoin Atletico’s pre-season on August 10, and the Catalans are counting on him to reaffirm his desire to leave in an attempt to force the issue.

Without a fresh gesture from the striker, however, Barcelona may soon be forced to accept that a move for Alvarez is beyond them.

The club have been recently offered the chance to sign Victor Osimhen, but it is unlikely the club would entertain the offer.