Atletico Madrid superstar wants to join Barcelona; top-choice for Laporta – report | OneFootball

It is no secret that FC Barcelona intend to sign a new top striker in the summer, amid the uncertainties surrounding the futures of both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

It is also well-established by now that Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez is the priority target for the La Liga champions.

The Argentine international is seen as the ideal fit into Hansi Flick’s team, although an operation is expected to be hard to pull off, given Atleti’s firm stance of not wanting to sell their ace striker.

Julian Alvarez wants Barcelona move

However, in an intriguing development, journalist Laia Tudal on Catalunya Radio, Alvarez wants to join Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old striker, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season, has not spoken out publicly about the speculations or Barça’s interest.

However, he remains interested in making the switch – something that he has admitted to his close circle.

Julian Alvarez wants Barcelona move. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Moreover, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner is also seen as the top choice to reinforce the No. 9 position for Barcelona president-elect Joan Laporta. He has liked Alvarez for a long time and sees him as a key signing for the summer.

Difficult operation

Alvarez’s desire to join Barcelona is something that works in their favour heading into the summer transfer window.

However, the journalist goes on to mention that the economic hurdles make the operation difficult, even describing it as ‘practically unaffordable’.

After all, Alvarez is expected to cost around €100 million or more – a figure that could be out of the Catalans’ reach.

The first step is for Barça to ask Atletico Madrid about the striker – something that has yet to happen.

Once that is done, Los Rojiblancos would have to set a price which could go much higher than the figure mentioned above. Or they might outright shut the doors on a sale. So, the operation remains a tough one to pull off.