Diego Simeone gives green light for Barcelona target Julian Alvarez’s summer sale – report | OneFootball

The increasingly complicated Julian Alvarez transfer saga may have taken another significant turn, with reports suggesting that Diego Simeone has permitted Atletico Madrid to sell the Argentine forward.

According to Gaston Edul, Simeone has already given the green light for a potential departure, as the Atletico Madrid manager is growing tired of the distraction surrounding the player’s future.

The development comes with less than a week remaining in the transfer window and Barcelona still in the race. 

Joan Laporta recently confirmed that the Catalan club have an active €100 million offer on the table, even though negotiations are currently understood to be on standby.

Barcelona, however, may have an important advantage that money alone cannot provide: Alvarez’s personal preference.

The Argentine does not want to return to England at this stage of his career and would prefer to remain in Spain, with Barcelona being his preferred destination.

Alvarez prefers Barcelona over Arsenal

Simeone seems to have given up on Alvarez. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Arsenal are also pushing to sign the 26-year-old and have reportedly submitted a stronger financial proposal.

As per the journalist, the Premier League champions have offered around €120 million, with the total package potentially rising to between €130 million and €135 million.

On paper, that gives Atletico a clear financial incentive to consider a deal with Arsenal. 

Alvarez knows English football well from his previous spell in the Premier League, but the situation appears to be more complicated than choosing the biggest offer.

The player is believed to have personal and family reasons for not wanting to live in England in the short term. His preference is to remain in Spain and, if he leaves Atletico, join Barcelona.

Atletico continue to resist Barcelona

Barcelona’s problem is that Atletico’s opposition to selling Alvarez appears to go beyond the value of the offers being discussed.

Alvarez only wants a Barcelona move. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Madrid club has maintained an institutional stance against strengthening a direct La Liga rival. 

In fact, an unofficial message has been sent that there is a 0% chance of Alvarez joining Barcelona.

Simeone’s approval could change the story

Simeone’s reported willingness to sanction a sale is particularly significant because it suggests the Atletico coach is no longer determined to keep the player at all costs.

Rather than being viewed as the figure blocking a transfer, Simeone is said to have become frustrated by the attention and disruption generated by the saga. 

His priority is to focus on the team, and he has accepted that selling Alvarez could be the best solution if the situation continues to affect the club.