FC Barcelona is growing frustrated with Atletico Madrid regarding their priority transfer target, Julian Alvarez.
Despite Barça’s offer and Alvarez expressing a desire to leave, the Rojiblancos remain steadfast in their stance that the Argentine international is not for sale.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s director, Mateu Alemany, appears to be setting his sights on one of the strikers that had been linked with the Blaugrana this summer.
Atletico Madrid Targets Vlahovic
According to Matteo Moretto (via SPORT), Atletico’s current priority is to secure the signing of Dusan Vlahovic. This move aims to bolster Diego Simeone’s attacking options but is not directly related to Alvarez’s situation. Instead, it is perceived as a preparatory measure for the potential departure of Alexander Sorloth.
Atletico’s pursuit of Vlahovic is contingent on outgoing transfers.
Advertisement
Barça Watches as Atletico Advances
Vlahovic has garnered interest from various clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, where he has been postponing talks with other teams to see if the La Liga champions would make a move.
However, Barcelona has not taken any definitive action, preferring to monitor developments, particularly concerning the future of Ferran Torres.
This hesitation has opened the door for Alemany to investigate Vlahovic’s situation, and reports suggest that the Serbian striker now favors a move to the Metropolitano.
Advertisement
As a 26-year-old free agent after leaving Juventus, Vlahovic can join any club without incurring a transfer fee.
Barcelona has yet to approach Vlahovic. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The Serbian forward faced a challenging season due to injuries that hindered his performance, limiting him to 23 appearances with 10 goals and two assists.
These injury concerns have made some clubs hesitant, but there is still a strong belief that Vlahovic can regain his best form if he can maintain his fitness.
Advertisement
Atletico’s Interest in Another Barça-Linked Player
If Sorloth leaves, Atletico may again outmaneuver Barcelona for a player that the Catalan club previously pursued.
The Madrid side is also reportedly close to signing Cristian Romero, a player that had been strongly linked with Barça earlier this summer.
This acquisition may be part of a strategy from Alemany to persuade Alvarez to remain, considering that he and Romero share a close friendship from their time with the Argentina national team.