News Focus
- Paris Saint-Germain have moved ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
- The French club are prepared to pay over €100 million, with the total fee potentially rising to €150 million.
- Barcelona Sporting Director Deco is now scouting alternative forwards due to the club’s financial limits.
- Atletico Madrid may negotiate separate deals for Goncalo Ramos and Kang-In Lee with PSG.
- The Argentine forward must publicly declare his desire to leave Madrid for any transfer to proceed.
Barcelona face a major blow in their summer transfer plans. The Catalan giants had identified Julian Alvarez as their main target to replace Robert Lewandowski. However, Paris Saint-Germain have now become the clear favourites to secure the Argentine’s signature.
The French champions are reportedly willing to spend more than €100 million to bring the 26-year-old to Ligue 1. Some sources suggest the final cost could reach between €140 million and €150 million. This figure sits far beyond Barcelona’s current budget.
Deco, the club’s Sporting Director, is already preparing back-up options. He recently met with agent Juanma Lopez to discuss the situation. Yet the Catalan side remain realistic. They know Alvarez must specifically demand a move to Camp Nou for any deal to become possible.
Meanwhile, talks between PSG and Atletico Madrid are moving forward quickly. The two clubs may arrange separate transfers involving Goncalo Ramos and Kang-In Lee joining the Spanish side. These moves would run alongside the Alvarez deal rather than being part of a direct swap.
If the transfer falls through, Alvarez stands to gain at Atletico. The club is ready to offer him a new, lucrative contract to stay at the Metropolitano. Those close to the player claim he prefers life in Spain to France. However, he remains happy in Madrid and will only leave if he publicly states his intention to depart.