Atlético de Madrid considers selling Julián Álvarez, but not to Barcelona.

A saga of Julian Alvarez’s future continues to stir the transfer market, with Atlético de Madrid determined not to facilitate the departure of their star forward. Barcelona, which is seeking a new number nine to bolster its attack, sees Alvarez as a priority option. However, the prospects of a transfer to Catalonia seem increasingly bleak.

On Tuesday, when asked about his future at Atlético, Alvarez did not commit, leading many to interpret his response as a sign that he might be open to a move. Over the past nine months, news has circulated regarding Barcelona’s interest in acquiring the Argentine, especially with Robert Lewandowski’s imminent departure, as his contract is set to expire.

However, things are not so straightforward. According to the newspaper Sport, Atlético de Madrid is unwilling to negotiate Alvarez’s exit to Barcelona. The club is visibly frustrated with the constant attempts by the Catalans to lure the player, as well as with Alvarez’s own team’s maneuvers to keep alive the speculation surrounding a potential transfer.

Barcelona, for its part, is aware that the only way to make this dream a reality is if Alvarez expresses a clear desire to leave Atlético. Although the forward has left the door ajar, a firmer statement seems unlikely. Furthermore, relations between Barcelona and sporting director Mateu Alemany are tense, especially following Alemany’s replacement by Deco, which further complicates the negotiation.

But Barcelona is not the only club keeping an eye on Alvarez. Atlético de Madrid could consider a proposal in the region of 150 million euros if they receive a substantial offer from the Premier League. Clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have already shown interest, although it remains unclear if they are willing to part with that amount, which is practically double what the Spanish club initially paid for the player.

Despite the speculation and interest from other clubs, Atlético de Madrid is not planning to sell their forward. With a contract that runs until 2029, the club’s intention is to renew Alvarez’s deal, reaffirming his importance within the team’s structure. Thus, while Julian Alvarez’s future remains uncertain, Atlético de Madrid demonstrates a firm determination to keep their top scorer, challenging interested clubs to reconsider their strategies.