Diego Simeone sends clear message to Julian Alvarez during showdown meeting | OneFootball

If Barcelona are to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, there must be significant movement over the next few days. Until now, their efforts to agree a deal with Atletico Madrid have been in vain, but the player himself is ready to make one final push in order to achieve his dream move.

Earlier this week, Alvarez returned to training with Atleti. He had planned to speak to head coach Diego Simeone on Monday to reiterate his desire to leave, but after that did meeting did not take place, the Argentina striker became furious, which led to him telling anyone that listened that he would be leaving this summer.

Alvarez did finally get the chance to speak to Simeone on Wednesday, at which point he informed the Atleti head coach of his intention to move on. However, the latter made it clear that he does not want that to happen, and as per Diario AS, he sent a message that he will continue to count on him if he stays at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Alvarez must get Atleti to relax stance if move is to happen

Until now, Atleti have made it very clear to Barcelona that they will not allow Alvarez to be sold to a direct rival, and the only way for a deal to be done is if they pay his €500m release clause – which they will not do. The only possible way for their stance to be relaxed is if the player himself pushes hard for a move, but while he has made himself clear again, Los Colchoneros have not moved an inch.

The next few days will be crucial to understanding whether there is any chance of Barcelona signing Alvarez this summer. They still have him as their leading target, but that could change if there is no progress soon.