Barcelona have almost abandoned plans to sign Atletico forward Julian Alvarez, according to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, with the Argentina international now expected to remain at the club next season.
The Catalan club are no longer counting on completing a deal for Alvarez this summer, Moretto reports. Barcelona had previously shown serious interest in the striker and made an offer for his transfer, but the proposed move is now unlikely to happen in the near future.
Alvarez had not concealed his desire to change clubs, although that wish appears unlikely to lead to a move to Barcelona at this stage. The 26-year-old is instead expected to continue his career with Atletico for the forthcoming season.
The report represents a significant change in Barcelona’s position after the club had emerged as one of the leading potential destinations for the forward. Their interest had included a formal transfer proposal, but the financial and practical circumstances surrounding the deal have apparently prevented negotiations from progressing towards an agreement.
Moretto’s information suggests Barcelona have now accepted that signing Alvarez will not be possible this summer. Atletico therefore remain set to retain the player, unless there is a further change in the situation before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona are instead reported to be close to signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez. The Spanish international has become the player linked most closely with a move to the Catalan club in the latest development concerning their recruitment plans.
The potential move for Rodri Hernandez would give Barcelona a different priority in the transfer market after their pursuit of Alvarez began to fade. While the club’s interest in the Atletico striker was previously described as serious, the latest information indicates that no deal for him is expected in the immediate future.
Alvarez joined Atletico after establishing himself as a major attacking player and had been viewed by Barcelona as a possible addition to their forward line. His apparent willingness to consider a change of club helped fuel speculation over a transfer, but the latest report indicates that his preference will not result in a Barcelona move this summer.
For now, the expectation is that Alvarez will remain an Atletico player into next season, while Barcelona concentrate on the reported pursuit of Rodri Hernandez. No further details about the proposed fees or contract terms for either transfer have been provided.
