Laporta on Barcelona target Julian Alvarez – ‘Not a player worth breaking the bank for’ | OneFootball

There has been much noise surrounding Julian Alvarez and the speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona.

Many believe the Argentine is currently Barcelona’s top choice as they look to find a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

However, in a recent statement (h/t AS), Joan Laporta, who is the favourite to be re-elected as Barcelona president, has sent a strong message to the Argentine, just days before the Barça elections.

Laporta’s message to Alvarez

Laporta admitted that Alvarez is indeed a great player who could prove to be an ideal fit for Barcelona’s system.

However, the Spaniard believes Alvarez doesn’t have it in him to convince Barcelona to break the bank for him just yet and that the player must show more willingness to join the Catalans.

“He’s a great player, and they say he’d fit into Barça’s system. He’s not a player worth breaking the bank for. First, he’d have to show his willingness to come, and it would have to be at a renewable price,” he said.

What’s in store for Alvarez this summer? (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Laporta’s statement comes in the midst of speculation that he wants to retain the services of Robert Lewandowski for another season.

The former Barcelona president has already heaped praise on the Polish veteran in a recent interview, suggesting that he is more than willing to have him continue at Camp Nou.

But as far as the number nine position is concerned, Laporta said the club will decide on signing the new forward only after he wins the election.

“Will a centre-forward come? First, we have to win the elections, and then Deco will decide. For now, we have Lewandowski and Ferran. It’s not impossible for another one to come, but we’ll see; Deco is working on it,” he concluded.

Deco is indeed a key figure in all this, although his role could be dependent on Laporta winning the election, as Victor Font, the other candidate, has made it clear he will sack the sporting director if he wins the election.