Julian Alvarez looks to Diego Simeone for breakthrough in Barcelona transfer standoff

Julian Alvarez believes a direct conversation with Diego Simeone could be the key to resolving his proposed move from Atletico de Madrid to Barcelona.

The Argentina striker, 26, is understood to feel that he is the only person capable of breaking the deadlock, with Atletico refusing to sell him to a direct domestic and European rival.

Alvarez wants the issue settled amicably. He plans to explain to Simeone why he wants to join Barcelona, making clear that he is “unhappy” in Madrid and wants to “be happy playing for Barcelona”.

Barcelona remain committed to signing Alvarez either this summer or during the next winter transfer window if a deal cannot be completed immediately.

Atletico, however, continue to regard the forward as a key player and have rejected the prospect of allowing him to join a direct rival in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Sources close to Barcelona have described the Spanish club’s position as “completely closed”.

Those sources told Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona have limited options while Atletico refuse to negotiate, adding: “Only Julian, through dialogue, can try to persuade them to open up.”

The task will be complicated by the determination of Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, who remains opposed to selling the striker.

People close to Alvarez believe speaking directly to Simeone is the most suitable route forward. When the player returns to Atletico’s training camp on Monday, 10 August – or possibly before then – he intends to repeat the message he delivered during the World Cup: “A transfer is the best option for everyone… I want to fulfil my dream.”

Alvarez made that position public on 23 June after Argentina’s match against Austria, saying: “I spoke with the club officials, and I believe a transfer is the best option for everyone. I want to fulfil my dream.”

It was an unusual public intervention from a player who is under contract until 2030. His comments attracted worldwide attention and were not well received by Atletico officials.

According to the report, Alvarez is comfortable with the stance he has taken. Atletico had promised him in January that they would help if he requested a transfer, but he believes the club failed to honour that commitment when the time came.

The forward also considers that he has said publicly only what he had already communicated privately to the club’s management.

His current strategy is to tell Simeone directly that he does not see his future at Atletico and wants to leave. The Argentina manager would then have to decide whether to ignore his player’s wishes and retain him against his will, or refer the matter to the club’s leadership in an attempt to bring the dispute to an end.

Barcelona sporting director Deco was recently in Madrid amid reports that he was due to meet Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, with whom he has a strong relationship. Although the details of any meeting have been kept private, Barcelona’s activity indicates that their interest is serious.

If Alvarez succeeds in persuading Simeone, the solution could be straightforward, provided Atletico abandon their veto on selling him to Barcelona. As long as the Catalan club remain involved, offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are not expected to interest the player, who has identified Camp Nou as his only preferred destination.