Julian Alvarez is due to hold talks with Atletico de Madrid’s senior officials on 10 August, with the Argentina striker expected to make clear that he wants to join Barcelona.
The meeting between the 26-year-old and the club’s leadership has been reported by journalist Gerard Romero. ESPN Argentina has also reported that Alvarez will return to Atletico de Madrid on Monday and will tell both manager Diego Simeone and the club’s directors that his preference is to play only for Barcelona.
The forward’s position is expected to be the main focus of the discussions. Alvarez will have the opportunity to explain directly to Atletico de Madrid’s hierarchy that he wants a move to the Catalan club, rather than continue his career at the Madrid side.
Barcelona have already made an offer of €100m for Alvarez. Atletico de Madrid have so far refused to negotiate over the transfer, but the proposal remains on the table.
The Spanish club’s stance means that Barcelona’s offer has not resulted in formal negotiations, despite its value. Atletico de Madrid continue to hold the position that they are unwilling to enter talks, while Barcelona’s €100m bid remains available.
Alvarez’s contract with Atletico de Madrid runs until 2030. The length of that agreement gives the club a strong contractual position, although the planned meeting will provide the player with a chance to state his wishes in person.
The forward’s return to the club’s training base on Monday will therefore be followed closely, particularly because he is expected to communicate his preference directly to Simeone and Atletico de Madrid’s executives. According to the reports from Gerard Romero and ESPN Argentina, that preference is specifically to play for Barcelona.
No agreement has been reported between the clubs. Atletico de Madrid have rejected negotiations, and Barcelona’s existing offer of €100m remains unchanged. The next significant development is expected to come from Alvarez’s meeting with the club’s leadership on 10 August.
