Barcelona likely to make €120 million offer for priority target who has expressed desire to leave – report | OneFootball

Barcelona received a huge boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez this summer when he came out with a public stance asking for a transfer.

Atletico have not been open to negotiating for the Argentine attacker, and the 26-year-old’s revelation about fulfilling his “dream” points to a move to the Catalan club.

Now, according to Santi Ovalle on El Larguero, Barcelona believe Alvarez’s latest public stance could force Atletico Madrid to open the door to negotiations, even if the operation remains extremely difficult.

He said, “At Barça they believe that this statement by Julian Alvarez obliges the negotiation.

“Barça’s offer will hover around €120-130 million and they believe that Atlético should open up to negotiating.”

Alvarez opens the window of opportunity

The key development is the player’s position.

Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

This matters for Barcelona because Atletico can reject offers more easily when the player stays silent. Once Alvarez makes his desire clear, even respectfully, the dynamic changes.

That does not mean Atletico will suddenly accept Barça’s terms. They paid heavily to sign him from Manchester City. He is under contract and their president has previously pointed to his huge release clause.

Still, Barça’s belief is understandable. A player of Alvarez’s level openly wanting a new step creates pressure, especially if the buying club is ready to reach a figure above €100 million.

A signing that fits Flick perfectly

From a sporting perspective, Alvarez makes complete sense for Hansi Flick. He is not only a goalscorer. He presses, links play, attacks space and can play across the front line.

Flick wants more intensity in attack, and Alvarez would give Barcelona a centre-forward who can defend from the front without losing quality in the final third.

Barcelona will make an offer for Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The price is the biggest issue. A €120 million to €130 million package would be massive for Barça, and the club cannot allow themselves to be dragged into an ego battle with Atletico.

That said, if there is one attacker worth stretching the purse strings for, Alvarez is close to that category.

He is in his prime, proven in Europe, proven with Argentina and stylistically built for the football Flick wants.

Alvarez’s words may push Atletico towards the table, but Barça still have to turn this into a deal that works.

Eventually, the Madrid-based club will have to budge, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations play out in the coming weeks.