Barcelona unconcerned about potential World Cup price rise for top attacking target | OneFootball

With the signing of Anthony Gordon completed, FC Barcelona’s sporting department continues to focus on planning for next season.

It is no secret that the Blaugrana are searching for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, and Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid remains the preferred target.

The Argentine striker is interested in joining Barcelona, but Atletico have so far shown no willingness to negotiate his departure. Recent tensions between the two clubs have only complicated the situation further.

The Rojiblancos’ public criticism of Barça on social media has raised doubts about whether formal negotiations can begin anytime soon.

Barcelona not rushing things

Now, according to AS, inside Barcelona there is little sense of urgency or panic regarding the operation for Alvarez.

Alvarez will be targeting his second World Cup with Argentina. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)

The arrival of Gordon has eased some of the pressure on the club’s recruitment plans, as the England international is capable of playing both on the left wing and through the middle as a striker.

For that reason, Barça are not particularly concerned if negotiations extend beyond the start of the World Cup. Club officials do not believe the tournament will significantly increase Álvarez’s market value.

In their view, the Argentine is already valued among the elite forwards in world football, and any eventual deal would depend far more on Atletico’s willingness to negotiate and the player’s own determination to make the move than on a modest increase in his transfer valuation.

Confident that Atletico will mellow down

Atletico are reluctant to sell Alvarez. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Barcelona have already taken important steps behind the scenes. Sporting director Deco recently met with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo and they submitted an initial offer worth around €100 million, which Atletico deny receiving.

But Barça remain convinced that Atletico’s resistance could soften over time, particularly if it becomes clear that the player is fully committed to joining the Catalan side.

The belief at Camp Nou is that few clubs want to keep a player whose focus is elsewhere, especially in a transfer saga that could continue throughout the summer.

For now, Barcelona are prepared to be patient. They view Alvarez as a strategic priority rather than a deal that must be completed immediately, and they remain willing to wait