FC Barcelona continues actively pursuing the signing of forward Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid, despite the latter's firm refusal to sell the player at any price.
According to Spanish media, negotiations have progressed, with the club aiming to complete the transfer during the first team’s pre-season camp in England. Coach Hansi Flick finds it reasonable for Álvarez to join the squad soon after the World Cup players return to training, enabling preparation for his La Liga debut as the team’s main striker.
Out of respect for the player, fully engaged in the World Cup fight until the final day, Barcelona has planned no major moves until next week—a date marked as critical on the club’s calendar.
The club remains confident in finalizing this deal despite the clear difficulties caused by Atlético’s position, which appears to have closed the door on negotiations by rejecting the offer. Barcelona's hopes largely rest on the player’s strong desire to join and the high-level talks led by President Joan Laporta.
Currently, communication flows directly with Atlético’s ownership and the Apollo investment fund, a strategic partner of Goldman Sachs, Barcelona’s main creditor.
Meanwhile, Barcelona is preparing alternatives. Alongside Álvarez, the club seeks to sign another striker—more of a traditional number nine—who excels in finishing. Following Robert Lewandowski’s departure, the squad lacks a pure central striker, as Álvarez is known for his versatility.
Barcelona is working on securing either both forwards or at least one, depending on how negotiations with Atlético unfold.
