Barcelona have no plans to abandon their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, despite Atletico de Madrid manager Diego Simeone again making clear that the club does not want the Argentina striker to leave.
Simeone restated Atletico’s position during the club’s pre-season preparations in Seoul, South Korea. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, his comments have not altered Barcelona’s strategy as they continue to explore the possibility of signing Alvarez.
The Atletico manager backed the decision made by the club’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, and said the situation surrounding the player should be handled from a sporting perspective. His latest remarks represented a further rejection of the idea that Alvarez could depart the Madrid club.
Barcelona nevertheless remain committed to the striker, whose importance to Simeone’s plans was underlined by the manager. Alvarez is the leading target for sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick as they seek to fill the centre-forward position.
The next few days could prove decisive in determining whether Alvarez remains at Atletico de Madrid or moves elsewhere. Once the player has completed his holiday and returned to training under Simeone, he is expected to discuss the situation himself and ask to leave.
Barcelona first need Atletico to agree to listen to offers for Alvarez and accept the opening of negotiations. Only after that step has been taken would the Catalan club be able to submit a fresh proposal for the striker.
The Spanish newspaper also reports that Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez is linked to the future of Ferran Torres. The club is expected to decide on Torres’ departure in parallel with the discussions over the Argentina international.
If Alvarez is unable to break the deadlock surrounding his position through talks this week, Barcelona will immediately activate their alternative plan for the striker. Flick wants clarity over the squad and starting options at his disposal before the Spanish league season begins, meaning the club is working within a limited timeframe.
For now, Atletico’s public position remains unchanged. Simeone has reinforced Gil Marin’s stance that Alvarez’s situation should be assessed in sporting terms, while Barcelona continue to regard him as their preferred option for the central attacking role.
The outcome is likely to depend on the player’s conversation with Simeone after his return to training. A request from Alvarez to leave could provide Barcelona with the opportunity to reopen the matter, but Atletico must first be willing to consider offers and enter formal negotiations.
