Atletico Madrid open to selling key superstar to Barcelona but set condition – report | OneFootball

The battle for Julian Alvarez is beginning to intensify, and Atletico Madrid have now made their position clear to both the player and Barcelona.

Within the Metropolitano, there is little interest in negotiating a comfortable exit for the Argentine forward. 

The Madrid-based team fully understands they possess one of the most complete attackers in European football, especially after building the project increasingly around him in recent seasons.

That is why Atletico’s message has been direct, firm, and uncompromising.

“If you want to go to Barcelona, great. Let Barcelona come and put up the money. 

“But not the money that Barcelona wants – the money that we want,” is Atletico Madrid’s message to Alvarez, as per Jijantes.

Atletico Madrid refuse to lower demands

Atletico Madrid will not make it easy for Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Barcelona’s admiration for Alvarez has not faded despite the financial complexity surrounding the operation.

The Argentine remains one of the priority names being considered to lead the next attacking era after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. 

At the same time, however, Atletico Madrid are determined to make the transfer as difficult as possible.

The Madrid club continue demanding close to €150 million to even consider opening negotiations. 

From their perspective, selling Alvarez to a direct rival would already represent a major sporting risk, which is why they are insisting on maximum financial compensation.

So what now?

Alvarez wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Barcelona, meanwhile, are still studying ways to make the operation viable despite the enormous valuation.

The Catalans know the deal is currently beyond their conditions, but there remains belief that the player’s position could eventually shift the balance of power.

That factor is becoming increasingly important, as Atletico are preparing a significant salary increase in an attempt to convince Alvarez to stay long-term. 

Yet the situation does not appear to revolve purely around finances. In fact, the report suggests Paris Saint-Germain are willing to offer the Argentine considerably more money than Barcelona. 

Despite that, Alvarez is believed to feel far more attracted to the idea of playing at Camp Nou instead.