Barcelona midfielder names Atletico Madrid star as the player he would love to sign | OneFootball

Julian Alvarez has been the name on everyone’s lips at Barcelona this summer, and the desire to bring the Argentine to the Camp Nou extends to the dressing room as well.

Indeed, Barcelona players have not been shy in expressing their admiration towards Alvarez, while Barça, too, have been quite open about their interest in the player.

The latest Barcelona star to join the Alvarez glaze has been none other than midfielder Marc Bernal.

What Bernal said about Alvarez

In a past interaction with Diari ARA (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Bernal left no doubt about his admiration for the Atletico Madrid striker when asked to name both the player he would least like to face and the one he would most like to sign for Barcelona. His answer was the same on both counts.

Bernal appears to be a huge fan of Alvarez. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“A player I wouldn’t want to face? Julian Alvarez. A player I’d want to sign for Barça? Julian Alvarez,” Bernal said.

It is a clear endorsement from one of Barcelona’s brightest young talents, and a reflection of just how highly Alvarez is regarded within the club.

The Argentine’s intelligence, pressing intensity and ability to operate between the lines make him precisely the kind of forward who would thrive in Hansi Flick’s system.

Where do things stand between Barcelona and Alvarez?

While the admiration is clear, Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez faces many complications, largely on account of Atletico Madrid’s apprehension in selling their star player to a direct rival.

Alvarez is plying his trade for Argentina in the World Cup. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

Barcelona remain confident of landing Alvarez, largely because the player himself has prioritised a move to the Camp Nou above all other options. Internally, there is a belief that the Argentine has already made his intentions clear to Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, have repeatedly insisted Alvarez is not for sale, with president Enrique Cerezo issuing a fresh warning over the pursuit by pointing to the player’s contract, which runs until 2030 and carries a release clause of €500 million.

Barcelona’s initial €100 million proposal failed to move negotiations forward, and the club are not currently preparing an improved offer.

Instead, there is a growing acceptance that the saga could stretch deep into the summer, with the World Cup having naturally slowed discussions.