Barcelona chase Julián Álvarez as Bernardo Silva waits on Hansi Flick | OneFootball

With Anthony Gordon signed and presented, Barcelona have two remaining priorities this summer, Julián Álvarez, 26, and Bernardo Silva, who turns 32 soon.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barça tabled a 100 million euro offer for Álvarez last week that was rejected, and Monaco have activated an 11 million euro option for Ansu Fati, which Barcelona have not yet confirmed.

Atlético Madrid want more money and president Enrique Cerezo has publicly denied any intention to sell, insisting Álvarez is their player for years to come. The forward wants to leave, so a drawn-out stand-off is expected, unlike Gordon’s swift deal. Álvarez is seen as a ball-playing striker who could succeed Robert Lewandowski.

Silva wants to play for Hansi Flick after finishing his Manchester City contract. He has family in Barcelona, seems willing to wait and is prepared to reduce his wages. Flick is wary of overloading midfield, with seven players for three spots and a risk to dressing-room chemistry.

Jorge Mendes, a favourite of Joan Laporta, is driving the Silva push and the player fits Flick’s call for more experience, which makes objections harder. Outgoings would be needed first, likely including someone from La Masia, and players rarely want to leave Barcelona. Any agreement for Silva would be for two seasons.

If Fati’s move is finalised, it would ease the wage bill and create room for planned additions. Financial fair play remains the annual headache that, for once under Laporta, should be avoided.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo