Key Takeaways
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique have both contacted Julian Alvarez about a possible transfer.
- Atletico Madrid do not want to sell the Argentina forward to Barcelona and demand €150 million for any talks to begin.
- Barcelona can only spend €100 million on the player and are considering other options, including a Chelsea attacker.
Julian Alvarez faces an uncertain future at Atletico Madrid despite his efforts to stop exit rumours. The Argentina international remains one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe as the summer transfer window approaches.
Barcelona have marked the 26-year-old as their top target to strengthen their attack. However, the Catalan giants face a major problem. Atletico refuse to sell to their domestic rivals and demand €150 million before they will even sit at the negotiation table.
This asking price sits well above Barcelona’s spending power. The club has set a €100 million ceiling for the deal. Because of this gap, they are studying other options. A Chelsea forward sits on their shortlist alongside other names.
The standoff has given hope to other top clubs. Reports indicate that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique have both spoken directly with Alvarez about a move. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has also contacted the player regarding a switch to the Camp Nou.
Diego Simeone, the Atletico head coach, confirmed on Tuesday that these three sides hold genuine interest in securing his services. The race for the World Cup winner promises to become one of the sagas of the summer.