Atletico Madrid turn down Barcelona priority target’s request for meeting – report | OneFootball

Barcelona have been embroiled in a transfer saga involving Atletico Madrid and Julian Alvarez ever since the summer transfer window began.

The Argentine has made no secret of his desire to leave Los Colchoneros this summer, with Barça believed to be his dream destination.

However, Atletico have been rigid in their stance not to entertain an offer of any kind from Barça, insisting that the player is not for sale.

Now, according to Gerard Romero on Jijantes FC, the Argentine requested a face-to-face meeting with Atletico’s directors in Madrid.

However, he was informed that no immediate talks would take place and that the club expect to see him when he returns on August 10.

Alvarez’s request for a meeting turned down. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Atletico refuse to change their position

Atletico are determined to control the timing of the situation.

Rather than opening negotiations during the player’s holiday, they want Alvarez to report for pre-season alongside the other players returning after the World Cup.

The request for a meeting is still significant from a Barcelona perspective.

It indicates that Alvarez wants direct clarity about his position and wants to try to force a move to the Catalan club this summer.

Atletico refusing to talk to him is a clear sign that they know his intentions and want to ensure that they are the ones calling the shots.

August 10 could prove to be a crucial day in this transfer saga. If Julian does not turn up for training on that date, it could leave the Colchoneros with a decision to make.

Barcelona have already started looking at alternatives

Looking for alternatives. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Alvarez would be a major addition because of his movement, intensity and ability to operate across the attack.

Even so, Barcelona cannot afford to build their entire summer around a player whose club currently refuse to negotiate.

Sporting director Deco has rightly identified alternatives to the Argentinian, with Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi on the radar.

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona wait for Alvarez, move for Kroupi or decide to go into the new season without another striker.

A lot will depend on how things progress in the next few weeks, and it remains to be seen how this Alvarez saga ends.