Barcelona set for key meeting with Julian Alvarez’s agents to define transfer strategy – report | OneFootball

The Julian Alvarez transfer saga this summer is turning into a classic “will he, will he not?” situation for Barcelona, as they continue to search for their Robert Lewandowski successor.

The club have been fixated on signing the Argentine attacker since the start of the summer, even with Atletico making their stance clear that they will not entertain a sale.

In recent days, there has been a lot of contrasting information coming out on the status of the deal, with Alvarez said to be following Atletico’s training plan ahead of 10 August, which has been set as his return date.

Now, according to David Ibanez on ElDesmarque, Barcelona are set to take another significant step in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with the Argentine forward’s representatives expected to travel to the Catalan capital this week for talks with the club.

Key meeting planned

The meeting will focus on defining the strategy for Barcelona’s attempt to sign the Atletico Madrid striker, who remains the Blaugrana’s priority target to strengthen the No. 9 position.

Barcelona remain intent on Alvarez. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Alvarez’s agents will meet with Barcelona officials to discuss the best path forward amid Atletico’s resolute stance.

Rather than serving as formal transfer negotiations with Atletico Madrid, the meeting is expected to centre on planning the next steps of the operation.

Barça remain committed

Despite looking at possible alternatives like Joao Pedro and Eli Junior Kroupi, Barcelona remain committed to their dream target.

Alvarez is who Hansi Flick and the sporting department want, and the club are still hoping that Atletico eventually agree to a transfer.

A lot is riding on this one deal from the Catalan club’s perspective. The club have not replaced a prolific marksman like Lewandowski.

Their only alternative option in the number nine position, Ferran Torres, is being linked with a move away from Barça this summer.

Key meeting scheduled. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

All this leaves the Spanish giants in a catch-22 situation. Should they not be able to sign Alvarez, and if Ferran also leaves, that would leave the club without a single recognised number nine at senior level.

All eyes on Alvarez

A defining date in this transfer saga could be 10 August, which is a week away from today.

Alvarez is expected to return to Atletico Madrid training and, if he does not turn up, that could massively tilt the deal in Barça’s favour.

Very often in the past, stars of other clubs have gone on strike and not appeared for training as a way to force a move to a club of their choice.

While there is no necessity for Atletico to budge even if Alvarez does that, clubs generally do not prefer keeping an unhappy player.

The next week and a bit could be pivotal in deciding this transfer saga once and for all, and it remains to be seen how things play out.