Key Takeaways
- Barcelona have submitted an opening bid of €70-75 million plus a squad player for Julian Alvarez.
- The Argentine striker has reportedly informed Atletico Madrid that he wants to move to Camp Nou this summer.
- Atletico remain unwilling to sell as they prepare for a crucial Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
FC Barcelona have made their first formal approach to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The Catalan giants have offered between €70 million and €75 million for the Argentine international. They are also prepared to include one current player in the exchange deal.
The Spanish champions view Alvarez as the perfect long-term replacement for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The Poland star is nearing the end of his career at the highest level. However, Atletico officials maintain that their forward is not available for purchase. The player only signed a contract extension until 2030 last year.
According to Spanish television programme El Chiringuito, Alvarez has told Atletico bosses that his wish is to join Barcelona this summer. ESPN confirms that club president Joan Laporta will handle negotiations directly with Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany. Both sides recognise that completing this transfer will prove extremely difficult.
The proposed deal structure includes both cash and a player swap. Spanish winger Ferran Torres has previously been mentioned as a possible makeweight in the operation. Atletico have shown interest in Torres before. Yet the club’s determination to keep Alvarez could prevent any swap agreement from happening.
Speaking on Monday ahead of the Champions League semi-final clash with Arsenal, Alvarez refused to discuss the speculation. He stated that he cannot waste energy denying rumours every single day. The forward prefers to concentrate on preparing for important matches instead.