Barcelona make one last push for Julian Alvarez as Atletico hold firm

Barcelona remain determined to sign Julian Alvarez despite Diego Simeone once again insisting that Atletico de Madrid do not want the Argentina striker to leave.

Simeone reiterated Atletico’s position while the club were in Seoul preparing for the new season, but his latest comments have not changed Barcelona’s strategy, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.

The Atletico manager backed the decision made by the club’s chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin and said Alvarez’s situation should be handled from a sporting perspective. His intervention represented another public rejection of the possibility of the forward’s departure, this time coming directly from the head coach.

Barcelona, however, continue to regard Alvarez as their main target for the centre-forward position. Sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have identified the Argentina international as the preferred option to lead the attack.

The next few days are expected to be decisive in determining whether Alvarez remains at Atletico or pushes for a move. After completing his holiday, the player is due to return to training and could use a conversation with Simeone to ask to leave.

Barcelona’s immediate priority is to persuade Atletico to listen to offers for Alvarez and agree to enter negotiations. Only if the Madrid club accepts that approach will Barcelona be able to submit another proposal for the striker.

The Catalan club’s pursuit is therefore dependent first on Atletico changing its refusal to engage with potential bids. Simeone’s latest comments indicate that the club still considers Alvarez an important part of its sporting plans, rather than a player available for transfer.

Mundo Deportivo also reported that Barcelona’s discussions over Alvarez will take place alongside a decision on Ferran Torres’ future. The club is expected to resolve whether the Spain forward will leave at the same time as it continues to assess the possibility of signing Alvarez.

If Alvarez is unable to break the deadlock surrounding his position through dialogue this week, Barcelona will immediately activate its alternative plan for an Argentina forward. That decision reflects Flick’s desire to establish clearly which players will form his squad before the Spanish league season begins.

For now, Barcelona’s preferred route remains a move for Alvarez, even though Atletico’s position has been repeated by both Gil Marin and Simeone. The player’s return from holiday and his expected discussions with the Atletico manager could determine whether the impasse finally shifts.