Barcelona sporting director set to meet agent of top attacking target in Madrid – Romano | OneFootball

Barcelona are slowly running out of time and options in their quest to sign Julian Alvarez.

The Atletico Madrid striker is slated to return to training on August 10, and despite declaring his desire to leave the club, Barcelona have yet to make any meaningful effort.

Atletico Madrid, for their part, have not entertained any offer from Barcelona, always pointing towards the player’s €500 million release clause.

Deco to meet Alvarez’s agent

Important week ahead for Alvarez. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

That being said, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has offered a fresh update on the future of Alvarez.

He suggests Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is set to meet Alvarez’s agent in Madrid. The meeting will be regarding the player’s situation at Atletico Madrid and how to navigate the problem.

Atletico, as mentioned earlier, have not changed their stance despite immense pressure from the player himself.

If Barcelona are interested in Alvarez, they would have to pay his release clause or at least significantly improve their current offer, which stands at around €100 million.

Nevertheless, the Catalans want to ensure Alvarez’s agent that they want to wait for him and are still harbouring the hope of signing him this summer.

Important week ahead

Deco must find answers fast. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The supposed meeting between Deco and Alvarez’s agent raises the stake further in what is going to be a very important week for Barcelona.

Alvarez returns to Atletico Madrid training on August 10, while Ferran Torres is also expected to announce his decision soon.

If everything goes wrong, Barcelona may find themselves in a situation where they not only struggle to get Alvarez but also lose out on Ferran.

That will be nothing short of a crisis for the Blaugrana, especially knowing that the market does not have any other attractive options in the number nine role.

Dusan Vlahovic is waiting for Barcelona but his form and fitness has receded significantly while Fisnik Asllani is closing in on a move to RB Leipzig.

Eli Junior Kroupi is an attractive option but Bournemouth’s hefty demands effectively prices out Barcelona.