Barcelona has officially stepped up its pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, with sporting director Deco reportedly meeting with the player’s agents to discuss a summer move.
According to Ben Jacobs (Sky Sports), the Catalan giants have identified the 25-year-old Argentine international as their “priority signing” for the upcoming European summer window. Despite Barcelona’s well-known financial constraints, the board is determined to land a marquee striker to lead the post-Lewandowski era.
The €100 Million Price Tag
Securing Álvarez will be anything but easy. The “Spider” joined Atletico Madrid for €80 million from Manchester City and has since seen his market value soar to €100 million, according to Transfermarkt. With a contract running until 2030, Atletico is in a strong position to demand a massive fee.
Reports from Sport suggest that Barcelona could be preparing an opening bid in the region of €80-90 million, though they face stiff competition.
Premier League Interest: Chelsea and Man Utd Lurking
Barcelona isn’t the only club eyeing the World Cup winner. Chelsea and Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring the situation. Álvarez is already well-acquainted with the Premier League following his successful stint under Pep Guardiola, making a return to England a tempting prospect if he decides to leave the Metropolitano.
A Stellar Season in Madrid
In his second season under Diego Simeone, Álvarez has been in sensational form. His statistics reflect his importance to the team:
- Appearances: 27
- Starts: 26
- Goal Involvements: 16 (11 goals, 5 assists)
His versatility capable of playing as a lone striker, a second forward, or even on the wings is exactly what Hansi Flick is looking for to add dynamism to the Barça attack.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
