Barcelona ready for lengthy Julian Alvarez pursuit as Atletico refuse to sell

Barcelona remain determined to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid despite strong opposition from the Spanish club to selling their Argentina striker this summer.

The Catalan club recognise that Alvarez’s own position could prove decisive. The 26-year-old is still understood to want to leave Atletico de Madrid and join Barcelona, despite having a contract with the club until 2030, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Barcelona expect the Argentina international to reaffirm his desire to move to Camp Nou. Alvarez is due to return to Atletico de Madrid’s preparations for the new season on Monday, 10 August, and Barcelona are expected to submit an offer to Atletico’s board as the player seeks to make his intention to leave clear.

The Spanish champions believe a deal remains possible, although they accept negotiations could continue for a considerable period. The process may run into the final two weeks of August, with Barcelona aware of the risks involved in waiting so long.

Barcelona’s interest is being driven by their commitment to Alvarez and by the player’s strong attachment to the club. That commitment has included his public request to move to Barcelona during the World Cup.

Manager Hansi Flick also regards Alvarez as his preferred attacking option. The German believes the striker has the ideal profile for his team, with his pace, technical ability, versatility and goalscoring threat all viewed as major strengths. Flick also places great importance on the player’s work-rate.

Barcelona’s decision has been influenced by a detailed assessment of the striker market. The club believe there are few genuinely top-level alternatives available.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Harry Kane of Bayern Munich are among the elite forwards considered, but Barcelona currently view moves for either player as unrealistic. Other available options are regarded as being at a lower level, although they remain highly sought-after.

One example is Victor Osimhen, for whom a fee of 75m euros is being demanded. That valuation has encouraged Barcelona to explore every possible avenue in their pursuit of Alvarez.

If they cannot complete the deal for the Atletico forward, Barcelona will consider other solutions. However, the club may also decide not to sign another striker at all rather than make a rushed move simply to fill an urgent need.

Barcelona already have several players capable of operating as false nines, meaning the club are not committed to signing a forward at any cost. Their preference is to add a player who genuinely improves the squad rather than complete a deal for the sake of it.

The situation could change if Ferran Torres leaves. Should Barcelona sell Torres, they would need to recruit at least one striker, particularly with Robert Lewandowski also departing and the club facing the loss of two forwards.

For now, Barcelona’s plan remains centred on Alvarez. They believe patience may be required, but remain willing to wait while the player’s position and Atletico de Madrid’s resistance continue to shape the negotiations.