Barcelona chief Joan Laporta confirms interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the club’s desire to sign Argentina forward Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer, saying the Catalan side’s offer will remain on the table until the Spanish transfer window closes.

“We are very interested in signing Julian Alvarez, and we would like Atletico Madrid to accept our offer, with the utmost respect for them,” Laporta told Barcelona’s club channel.

“If they are prepared to sell Alvarez during the summer transfer window, we are ready to sign him in accordance with the offer we have made,” he added.

Spain’s summer transfer window closes next Tuesday, leaving Barcelona limited time to complete a deal for the 25-year-old.

Barcelona have been linked with a move for Alvarez during the final days of the window, although Atletico Madrid have previously rejected the idea of negotiating with the club. The player is understood to want a move to Barcelona, while Atletico have insisted he remains under contract with them until 2030.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick declined to discuss the Argentina international at a news conference on Wednesday.

“I don’t want to talk about Julian Alvarez, but I want to talk about the situation at the club. We have made some very good signings,” said Flick.

“The club has to think about the future. As a coach, I demand the best and more, but in the end it may work or it may not,” he added.

“My confidence in the team is great, and we have to manage things and find solutions for some matches,” Flick said.

Alvarez was absent from Atletico Madrid’s training session on Wednesday morning, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Spanish newspaper Sport reported that he missed the session because of illness after suffering a health problem during the night.

The striker also missed Atletico’s opening-round fixture, in which they secured an important 2-0 victory over Malaga.

Alvarez made his first appearance of the season from the bench in Atletico Madrid’s match against Villarreal on Sunday, coming on in the 66th minute.

The Athletic has reported that Atletico are now prepared to consider any offer worth 150m euros for the forward. However, a source within the Madrid club told the publication that they would not sell him to either of their domestic rivals.

“Real Madrid’s offer was not serious, and the club will not sell its player to its rivals Real Madrid or Barcelona,” the source said.

“Atletico Madrid would not object to approving his move to Arsenal, provided they receive an offer of 150m euros,” the source added.

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid after establishing himself as a key player for Argentina and previously playing for Manchester City. His reported wish to leave the Spanish club has emerged as Barcelona continue to explore whether a deal can be reached before the transfer deadline.