RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesJulian Alvarez ready to increase pressure on Atletico Madrid and push for Barcelona move
Barcelona have entered a decisive stage in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
After weeks of discussions with intermediaries, a €100 million offer from Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid’s repeated refusal to enter negotiations , the Argentine striker has decided to take the next step in an effort to force through a move to Camp Nou.
Indeed, according to SPORT , Alvarez and his representatives informed Deco during their latest meeting in Madrid that he is prepared to increase the pressure on Atletico.
This is not an impulsive decision, but the next step in a strategy that both player and club have gradually agreed upon over recent weeks as Los Rojiblancos have remained firm in shutting down any possibility of talks.
Alvarez won’t rebel
Despite his determination to leave, Alvarez is keen to maintain a flawless professional attitude.
Since Monday, he has been following Atletico’s individual fitness programme and is expected to report back as scheduled on August 10, with no delays or signs of rebellion.
Once he returns to Atletico’s training facilities, he plans to inform the club’s sporting department directly that his wish remains to leave this summer and join Barcelona.
Alvarez ready to take another step. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Following his World Cup comments, in which he publicly admitted he wanted a transfer to fulfil his “dream,” both the player and his entourage are determined to avoid creating further conflict.
Instead of making more public statements or staging any form of protest, Alvarez intends to make his request privately. The objective is not to spark an institutional battle, but simply to persuade Atletico to sit down and negotiate.
The Argentine also intends to make it clear that Barcelona is the only club he wants to join, something that could force Atletico to consider whether it makes sense to keep a player whose focus is already elsewhere.
Atletico face the decision
The responsibility will then fall to Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Atletico’s sporting department, led by Mateu Alemany. They will have to decide whether it is worth insisting on keeping a player who has now expressed, both publicly and privately, his desire to join Barcelona.
At Camp Nou, there is growing belief that the player’s determination, combined with the limited time remaining before the start of the season and the close of the transfer window, could finally open a door that has remained firmly shut.
For now, Barcelona’s strategy remains unchanged. The club’s offer stays at €100 million, exactly as previously agreed with the player’s representatives.
Barcelona could increase their offer if Atletico open the door. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
However, if Atletico agree to negotiate following Alvarez’s request, Barcelona are prepared to improve that proposal in an effort to bridge the gap.
No specific figures have been discussed yet, but the Catalans recognise their need to sign a striker while remaining determined not to overspend.
One final attempt
Inside Camp Nou, there is a clear understanding that this will be Barcelona’s final attempt to sign the Argentine.
If Atletico refuse to change their position even after Alvarez personally asks to leave, the club will consider the operation closed and shift focus elsewhere.
In fact, Barcelona’s sporting department has already been working on an alternative for several weeks.
Should this latest move fail to produce the desired breakthrough, Barcelona will activate Plan B and move to complete the striker signing Hansi Flick wants before the transfer window closes.
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