Laporta confirms Barcelona offer for Julian Alvarez: ‘I’ve spoken personally with Atletico, we know he wants to come’ | OneFootball

Following the inauguration ceremony of his presidential tenure, FC Barcelona chief Joan Laporta addressed the media in a press conference, during which he confirmed talks with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine striker has long been on Barcelona’s radar and has emerged as the priority target for the club this summer as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The La Liga champions’ initial offer was rejected by Los Rojiblancos, who have since lodged a complaint to FIFA against Barça, while also maintaining that Alvarez is not for sale.

This is despite the fact that the 26-year-old striker has himself come out and claimed that he wishes to leave the club and chase his dream.

Joan Laporta confirms new offer

Now, Laporta has confirmed that he has personally held talks with Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and that Barcelona have sent another offer, which will remain on the table but not for an unlimited time.

Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“I’ve spoken personally with Atletico Madrid and made the situation clear. Deco made an offer for a certain amount for this player,” he said.

Continuing, Laporta stated that Alvarez has been on their radar even before he joined Atleti and that the player has desired of moving to Barcelona from back then.

“We know the player wants to come to Barça from some time, even before he was at City. We made this offer with all due respect to Atletico; they have my utmost respect, both Cerezo and Gil Marin,” said the re-elected Barcelona president.

Continuing, he claimed that Atletico refused to sell Alvarez because they did not have an alternative for him.

“They had the offer and told us they weren’t planning to sell because they didn’t have an alternative, and I told them that if they did have an alternative, the offer stood firm.”

Good relationship between clubs

Reaffirming his stance and the club’s interest, he added: “We will stand firm for as long as we deem necessary, but we won’t be at the mercy of what Atletico might decide on this matter.”

“They know our intentions, and if they want to proceed, we would be delighted. They have our utmost respect, and we have a good relationship both institutionally and personally.”

Talks underway between clubs. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Regarding Atletico Madrid’s recent actions such as the social media posts against Barcelona, he added:

“There are some recent reactions that I want to consider carefully, but the situation is this: the offer is on the table, and if we consider it, we’re prepared to keep it open; it could be done.

“What is certain now is that they’ve said they aren’t selling because they have no alternative. I hope that if they do have an alternative, Atletico Madrid will take Barça’s offer into consideration.

“The offer isn’t open-ended; we’ll keep you updated on our position on this matter.”

On the complaints to FIFA and RFEF lodged by the Rojiblancos, he added: “We don’t know what their strategy is based on; we’ve carried out many deals with Atlético without any problems. This one is perhaps a bit more sensitive.

“It’s an honourable approach; we’re making a significant effort with an offer that we’ll stand by until we’ve had a chance to consider it.

“I hope they’ll reconsider and accept the offer. If they don’t, we’ll see what we can do. As for going to UEFA and FIFA, I don’t know what that’s all about.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo