It is no secret at this point that FC Barcelona intend to reinforce the No. 9 position in the summer, with Robert Lewandowski’s exit from the club looking all but certain.
And, as has been widely reported, Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid is seen as the priority target for the reigning La Liga champions despite the expected difficulties in securing a deal.
Contacts made
Now, according to ESPN, Barcelona have initiated contact with Atletico Madrid to understand their stance on the possible sale of Alvarez in the summer.
The Blaugrana are fully aware that the operation will be a complicated one, both due to financial reasons and Atletico Madrid’s reluctance to part ways with one of their best players.
The Rojiblancos signed the Argentine international from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth close to €100 million, with his contract running until 2030 and containing a release clause worth €500 million.
Furthermore, Diego Simeone’s side are working on extending Alvarez’s contract until 2032 amid growing interest in his services, with Arsenal also keeping an eye.
Barcelona’s main attacking target. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Barcelona, who are still not operating within the 1:1 Financial Fair Play rule, are hopeful that the player’s desire to move could help them, much like Antoine Griezmann’s situation back in 2019.
As such, initial contacts have been made with the Spanish capital club to learn about their stance on the matter, even though they have publicly stated on several occasions that Alvarez is not for sale.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is expected to lead the negotiations himself with Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany. The complicated relationship with the latter could further make things difficult.
With reports suggesting that Alvarez’s entourage is already searching for a house in Barcelona, the player seems keen on the move. Everything will now depend on how the talks between the two clubs progress.
