South American superstar keeping all options open amid Barcelona interest – Romano | OneFootball

As relayed in recent days, Barcelona are as close to returning to the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule as they have been in a long time, and the board’s hope is that the club move past that restriction in time for the summer transfer window.

While the practical feasibility of the plan remains unclear, they also hope to secure a big-name signing in June if they do indeed return to the 1:1 rule – and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez stands out as a serious option to be that marquee signing.

After all, Barcelona are looking for a long-term successor for Robert Lewandowski, given the player’s age, and the fact that Alvarez could be looking for a way out of Atletico Madrid aids their situation.

Options on his table

As relayed in a recent update by ever-reliable transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Alvarez has several options on his table, and he is keeping all doors open regarding his future. He has not yet narrowed down on any particular destination.

There is nothing concrete or advanced as matters stand, and several clubs are alert to the World Cup winner’s potential availability on the transfer market.

Julian Alvarez is a top target for Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Barcelona are certainly among those seriously interested in signing the South American striker, but they are far from being the only party in the race.

The Catalans see Alvarez to be their favourite option to reinforce the centre-forward department by some distance and will push to sign him as far as they can.

Not only do they see him to be a strategic signing but one who can mark the start of a new cycle at the club.

Needless to say, the entire operation will depend on the club’s return to the 1:1, potential sales in the summer and space on the wage bill, and it remains to be seen how truly feasible his signing is.

After all, the 25-year-old’s current contract with Atletico Madrid runs until 2030, and Los Rojiblancos will not make it easy for any club to sign him, let alone a direct competitor.