Barcelona give Julian Alvarez future transfer assurance after failed summer move | OneFootball

Barcelona have been in pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez since the start of the summer transfer window.

However, Los Colchoneros have maintained a stubborn stance throughout the summer window that they will not sell the 26-year-old to Barça.

Now, according to ESPN Argentina, the Catalans may be running out of time to sign Alvarez this summer, but their pursuit of the player is far from over.

The club have informed Julian that they intend to maintain their interest in him in future transfer windows, while the striker also dreams of moving to the Catalan club.

Julian still wants a Barcelona move

Julian has been very clear in his desire to leave Atletico this summer to chase his dream of wearing Blaugrana colours.

The Argentine is said to feel betrayed by Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin over how the situation has been handled.

Julian Alvarez is unlikely to realise his Barcelona dream this summer. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

That frustration has not changed his preferred destination, with Barcelona still described as the move he wants “at all costs.”

Neither the Madrid-based club nor Arsenal, who have emerged as the strongest alternative destination, know exactly what the 26-year-old will ultimately decide.

However, the most likely outcome by the end of this summer transfer window is that Julian remains at Atletico.

New Atletico contract not in his plans

One particularly significant detail concerns Julian’s longer-term relationship with Atletico.

Should the club attempt to resolve the situation by offering him a new contract, the striker reportedly has no intention of signing it.

That would leave Atletico facing an uncomfortable situation even if they successfully prevent his departure this summer.

They may keep their striker, but keeping a player and repairing the relationship with him are two different challenges.

Barça prepared to play the long game

For Barça, this does not change much in this transfer window.

Barcelona have signed Gabriel Jesus to provide some cushion in the striker position.(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Missing out on Julian now would obviously be disappointing, particularly after making him their priority for the No. 9 position all summer.

However, the club have given themselves a solid cushion by signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, who can hold the fort until future transfer windows.

If Julian remains committed to Barcelona and Barça remain committed to him, another opportunity could emerge in January or next summer.

There are no guarantees. Arsenal or another major club could return, and Atletico could still choose not to sell to Barça.

However, the important takeaway here is that Barça do not consider the door closed for Julian, and this is a transfer saga that could reappear in upcoming transfer windows.