Barcelona forward could be the key to unlocking the Julian Alvarez deal – report | OneFootball

Barcelona are in search of a new striker this summer transfer window, and they have identified Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez as their dream number nine target.

The Catalan club are facing an obstacle, with Los Colchoneros refusing to budge in their stance that the 2022 World Cup winner is not for sale.

Now, according to Jota Jordi (h/t Carpetas Blaugranas), Ferran Torres could hold the key to unlocking Alvarez’s move to the Catalan club this summer.

He says that the situation is so closely connected that if the 2026 World Cup winner said yes to Atletico, Alvarez “would become a Barça player the next day.”

Ferran could become decisive in Alvarez deal

That is a strong claim, and it suggests Atletico may be more open to discussing Alvarez if they can secure Ferran as part of their own attacking planning.

Ferran Torres has admirers at Atletico Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The idea of Ferran moving to Atletico would therefore potentially solve two problems at once. Barça would create space in the squad while the Madrid-based club would have a ready-made replacement.

Atleti’s sporting director Mateu Alemany is said to be a huge fan of the Spanish forward, who has less than 12 months left on his current deal with the Blaugrana club.

Ferran needs to agree to a move

The crucial point, however, is that Ferran would have to agree to such a move. No player can simply be placed into an operation against his wishes.

Ferran has remained an important squad player for Barcelona and still has reasons to consider staying.

However, if Atletico make a serious proposal and the player is open to it, the market could move very quickly.

Alvarez is Barcelona’s top target. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

This deal has all the signs of a domino effect in the making. It could be carried out without actually being a swap deal on paper.

Alvarez is the striker Hansi Flick and Deco want, and any formula that makes Atletico more willing to negotiate deserves attention.

However, Ferran is currently riding a wave of confidence after scoring the goal that made Spain world champions, and losing him now would be a huge blow for Barça.

It remains to be seen whether Flick thinks Ferran is important enough to warrant a contract renewal or whether he is willing to sacrifice the Spaniard to sign Alvarez.