Barcelona keep Julian Alvarez offer open as Atletico Madrid stand firm

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the club’s proposal for Julian Alvarez remains on the table, despite Atletico Madrid repeatedly insisting that the Argentina striker is not for sale.

Barcelona have made Alvarez their leading attacking target and have already seen a bid understood to be worth more than 100 million euros rejected by Atletico. Laporta says the Catalan club remains hopeful of reaching an agreement after receiving information that Atletico have discussed the 26-year-old with other clubs.

“We maintain our proposal, our offer to Atletico Madrid,” Laporta said. “Hopefully there will be an understanding between the two clubs.”

The pursuit has increased tension between the two Spanish clubs. Atletico Madrid have reported Barcelona to the Spanish football authorities over their approach for Alvarez and have made clear they do not want to sell him to a domestic rival.

Alvarez is understood to want to leave Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona believed to be his preferred destination. Arsenal are also interested in the former Manchester City forward, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move for him.

The striker was jeered by sections of the Atletico support during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal. He then missed training on Wednesday because of illness, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future at the Madrid club.

Barcelona’s pursuit comes as they assess their options in attack before the transfer deadline. Coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that the club may have to consider alternatives if a deal for Alvarez cannot be completed.

Raphinha played through the middle in Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Elche, while Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi are among the other players who could operate in the role.

“I have total confidence with the quality we have now,” Flick said.

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid after leaving Manchester City and has become the focus of intense transfer interest during the current window. Barcelona’s rejected offer, reported to have exceeded 100 million euros, has not changed Atletico’s public position that the player is unavailable.

However, Laporta’s latest comments indicate that Barcelona are not yet prepared to abandon their efforts. The club continues to maintain contact over its proposal, even as Atletico Madrid resist the prospect of allowing Alvarez to join one of their domestic rivals.

With the deadline drawing closer, Barcelona remain determined to pursue the Argentina international. Atletico’s refusal to sanction a sale means the transfer remains uncertain, while interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain could further complicate negotiations.