Barcelona and Atletico Madrid make initial contact to discuss the future of Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

The ongoing transfer saga involving FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Julian Alvarez is only getting started. Despite the differences between the two clubs over this potential transfer, it finally seems as if progress is now being made.

Having already publicly announced his desire to leave, it seems clear enough that Alvarez no longer wishes to stay at the club. However, the most difficult part of this whole operation for Barcelona was always going to be negotiations with the Madrid-based clubs.

Fortunately, it seems that some progress has now been made. According to Jota Jordi of El Chiringuito, contacts were initiated between the Catalan giants and Los Colchoneros three days ago to discuss the potential transfer of the 26-year-old South American forward.

Moreover, the same update (via Reshad Rahman) claims that further contacts are expected between the two clubs to discuss the matter moving forward. This is great news for Barcelona, as it marks at least some level of progress towards achieving their ultimate goal.

However, it remains clear that Atletico Madrid will not be willing to let go of their ace striker easily. In fact, a recent report even revealed what their asking price for the player would be, and it certainly is a rather high price to pay even for a major European giant like FC Barcelona.

Simultaneously, reports continue to emerge suggesting that alternative options in attack are there for Barça to consider as well. While some are rather unlikely options, others are considered to be more plausible and accessible as well.

Harry Kane, for instance, seems likely to renew his contract with Bayern Munich and will be staying in Germany. Dusan Vlahovic, however, seems willing enough to offer his services to the Catalan club should they be open to signing him. As it stands, the priority is still the signing of Alvarez, but alternative options are being kept alive by the club as well it seems.