Barcelona has reached out to Atlético Madrid to discuss the potential transfer of striker Julián Álvarez this summer, as confirmed by a source to ESPN.
Head coach Hansi Flick has requested a new No. 9, with Álvarez seen as the perfect fit to partner with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha next season.
However, Barcelona recognizes that securing this deal will be challenging due to both financial constraints and Atlético’s reluctance to part with their Argentine international.
In January, ESPN reported that Premier League team Arsenal is also interested in acquiring Álvarez this summer.
Álvarez, who is 26, transferred to Atlético from Manchester City in 2024, with a transfer fee that could rise to €95 million (£82.2m) with add-ons.
He is under contract with Atlético until 2030, featuring a release clause of €500 million.
A source indicated to ESPN that Atlético might even propose an improved contract extending to 2032 to deter a potential exit this summer.
Barcelona’s ambition to acquire Álvarez is complicated by their current situation regarding LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations, which limit their spending capacity.
Nevertheless, the club hopes to adjust their finances to comply with league regulations this summer and believes that Álvarez’s desire to move—similar to what happened with Antoine Griezmann when he left Atlético for Barcelona—might facilitate the transfer.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta will lead the negotiations with Atlético’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, who previously worked in a similar role at Barça under Laporta before being succeeded by Deco.
– Marcus Rashford’s crucial goal propels Barcelona closer to the title
Endrick uncertain about his future at Real Madrid after his loan with Lyon ends
Jude Bellingham acquires a minority stake in cricket team Birmingham Phoenix
Barcelona has had its eye on Álvarez for a while, with scouts recommending his acquisition when he was still playing for River Plate prior to his transfer to City. They continue to follow his career closely and now view him as the ideal successor to Robert Lewandowski, who is 37 and set to be a free agent in June, as well as Ferran Torres, who will enter the final year of his contract.
ESPN previously reported that Barcelona intends to offer Lewandowski a new contract with revised terms, while also being willing to listen to offers for Torres.
At the same time, uncertainties linger concerning Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan from Manchester United until season’s end. Barcelona holds an option to permanently sign him for €30 million; however, club sources informed ESPN that they are unlikely to activate that option and will explore alternative options instead.
Meanwhile, Jan Virgili from Mallorca and Abde Ezzalzouli from Real Betis are among the players being considered by the club.