RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesAtletico Madrid moving for Premier League star to convince Barcelona top target to stay
With less than a month left in the summer transfer window, the Julian Alvarez transfer saga continues to dominate headlines.
While FC Barcelona remain determined to find a way of signing the Argentine forward, Atletico Madrid are equally committed to keeping one of the cornerstones of their project.
As previously reported, Deco travelled to Madrid this week to meet with the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, in an attempt to explore a formula that could unlock a deal.
Atletico’s public position, however, has not changed , despite the player’s insistence on wanting to leave.
Behind those public statements, though, the Colchoneros believe that the best way to convince the World Cup winner to remain is by continuing to strengthen the squad around him.
Mateu Alemany’s strategy
This is where Mateu Alemany enters the picture. According to SPORT , Atletico’s director of football is working to provide Diego Simeone with an even stronger squad, and one of the club’s top priorities is Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
The Argentine centre-back has been one of Simeone’s priority targets for months, but his potential arrival serves another important purpose beyond simply reinforcing the defence.
Alvarez remains Barcelona’s priority. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Atletico believe signing Romero could also help persuade Alvarez to remain at the Metropolitano.
Alvarez’s admiration for Romero
Romero’s signing is viewed as much more than a footballing decision.
Alvarez has never hidden the admiration he has for his international teammate, with whom he shares an excellent relationship inside Argentina’s national team setup.
The striker made those feelings perfectly clear during an interview in December 2025, when he was asked about Atletico’s interest in Romero.
“Yes, absolutely. Obviously, I would’ve liked it. Cuti is one of the best defenders in the world. I spend a lot of time with him in the national team and I think he’s incredible, an absolute competitor and extremely strong defensively.
“I had a few conversations with him and, for various reasons, it didn’t happen, but hopefully one day we’ll be able to play together.”
Alvarez and Romero are good friends. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Those comments have taken on even greater significance now.
Inside Atleti, there is a belief that bringing Romero to the club would not only strengthen Simeone’s defence, but also send a powerful message to Julián that the project continues to grow around him.
Barcelona still waiting for their chance
Despite Atletico’s efforts, Barcelona have not given up. The Catalan club remain in regular contact with the player’s entourage and continue exploring every possible avenue to complete a signing that Hansi Flick considers a priority.
At the same time, those inside Camp Nou know that time currently favours Atletico, who are trying to reinforce their squad with one of the very players Alvarez has openly admitted he would love to play alongside.
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, the Rojiblancos continue to insist publicly that their striker is untouchable. At the same time, they are also working to give him more reasons than ever to stay.
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