Barcelona seek breakthrough as Julian Alvarez representatives plan decisive visit

Julian Alvarez’s representatives are expected to travel to Barcelona this week as they work with the club on a strategy to try to revive the Atletico de Madrid striker’s proposed move.

The visit comes as Barcelona continue to pursue a deal for the 26-year-old Argentina international, despite Atletico’s firm refusal to enter negotiations. The Madrid club have completely closed the door on discussions, bringing progress on the transfer to a standstill.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Alvarez has been Barcelona’s leading transfer target for several months. The Catalan club see him not only as a way to strengthen their attack, but also as the key strategic signing they want to make in the transfer market.

However, Atletico’s uncompromising position has so far prevented the deal from advancing. The club’s refusal to consider negotiations means Alvarez’s agents believe a coordinated approach with Barcelona is needed if there is to be any attempt to move the transfer forward.

Representatives of the player are therefore planning to arrive in the Catalan capital in the coming days. Their purpose will be to agree with Barcelona on the next steps and establish how best to apply pressure for a possible transfer.

Barcelona also want Alvarez to go further in expressing his wishes publicly. The striker previously made his position known during the World Cup, when he asked Atletico to allow him to leave so he could fulfil his dream.

The Catalan club now want him to state clearly that his preference is to play for Barcelona. If Alvarez makes that declaration, Barcelona would increase their offer for him from the €100m proposal already submitted to €115m.

That potential increase represents the club’s latest effort to find a way through Atletico’s resistance, although the Spanish side have given no indication that they are prepared to reopen talks.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the club’s transfer planning on Monday at the end of the team’s training camp in England. Flick said he was in agreement with the work being carried out by sporting director Deco and acknowledged that Barcelona know they need to do something to strengthen their attacking options.

The planned meeting between Alvarez’s representatives and Barcelona is intended to determine whether a fresh strategy can create movement in a deal that has currently stalled. Barcelona remain keen to complete the signing, while Atletico continue to maintain their position that negotiations are closed.