Barcelona step up Julian Alvarez pursuit with Madrid meeting planned

Barcelona are continuing their efforts to sign Atletico de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, with sporting director Deco and scouting chief Joao Amaral preparing to meet the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, in Madrid.

The meeting is expected to take place within the next few hours and will be held away from the media spotlight as Barcelona seek to keep their latest move confidential.

The discussions are expected to focus on the current state of negotiations and the possible next steps in a deal which Barcelona acknowledge is difficult to complete at this stage of the summer transfer window.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Deco and Amaral will use the meeting to review the situation with Hidalgo and consider the options available to the Catalan club. The discussions will also revisit the recruitment plan drawn up several months ago, while examining possible scenarios for the weeks ahead.

The proposed meeting does not mean an agreement is close. Instead, it represents a continuation of contact between the parties and an attempt by Barcelona to remain prepared for any change in circumstances.

Atletico de Madrid are determined to retain Alvarez and have refused to consider offers for his departure. Barcelona believe that stance is one of the main obstacles to the transfer, while strained relations between the two clubs have added further complications.

There is currently little indication of flexibility from Atletico de Madrid, making it difficult for Barcelona to advance the deal. Nevertheless, the club continues to regard Alvarez as its leading target for strengthening the attack during the summer transfer window.

Barcelona are also relying on the player’s previously expressed desire to wear the club’s shirt. They believe Alvarez’s preference could become an important factor in persuading Atletico de Madrid to engage more seriously in negotiations.

The club remains aware that several barriers must be overcome before a transfer can be completed. Even so, its sporting department is continuing to explore every possible solution in the hope of signing Alvarez before the summer transfer window closes.

The planned discussions in Madrid therefore form part of a broader effort to keep the deal alive rather than evidence that the move is imminent. Barcelona’s priority is to maintain communication with the player’s representative, monitor any developments and be ready to act if Atletico de Madrid’s position changes.

The report was published by FilGoal on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, at 23:09.