Conflicting reports emerge over Julian Alvarez stance on Barcelona move | OneFootball

After Nico Williams, it appears that Julian Alvarez will be the successor. It seems that the transfer saga that will dominate headlines for the coming weeks will surround the Atletico Madrid forward, which could be a bad omen for the Blaugrana, given their lack of success with Williams.

The Catalan giants have made it clear that Alvarez is their primary target this summer, as they look to replace Robert Lewandowski, which has not gone down well at the Metropolitano. They have made a strong response to Barcelona’s interest, declaring that he is not for sale. Reports from the Spanish capital say that they will only negotiate for around €150m, well clear of Barcelona’s first offer of €100m. Beyond Atletico’s reluctance to sell to Barcelona, that may well be the main obstacle to any deal for the Argentina international.

Will Julian Alvarez declare a desire to join Barcelona?

In recent weeks it has been suggested that the key factor could be Alvarez himself. He has reportedly told Atletico through his agent that he is keen to leave and Barcelona would be his priority, but there is a suggestion that Barcelona want him to make that desire public in order to force the move. El Chiringuito suggest that if it is indeed necessary, then Alvarez will do so. their information goes on to suggest that Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin promised to facilitate a move for Alvarez in February if he desired one.

That has been disputed in previous months, with some suggesting that Gil Marin does not want to lose their star piece. RadioMarca also dispute the idea that Alvarez will speak out in favour of a move, and is still open to the idea of staying at Atletico.

Barcelona’s alternatives in the transfer market

Part of the reason that Barcelona may be so keen to pursue Alvarez is the apparent lack of clear alterntatives on the market. The Catalans have been linked with Victor Osimhen, Joao Pedro and other cheaper options, such as Vedat Muriqi. The Brazilian has been the only one Barcelona appear to have shown serious interest in, and Chelsea are seemingly unwilling to negotiate, which could explain their insistence with Alvarez.