Barcelona have maintained their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez despite Atletico’s rejection of a reported €150 million bid from Real Madrid.
The Catalan club are understood to have been exploring the conditions of a possible move for Alvarez and believe the player could be open to joining them if an opportunity emerges.
The situation took a new twist on Tuesday when Real Madrid made an approach for the Atletico star after failing to make progress on other attacking targets.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez turned his attention to Alvarez after Bayern Munich ruled out any possibility of selling Michael Olise, who had been among the club’s preferred attacking options.
With Bayern refusing to negotiate, Madrid tested Atletico’s resolve with a €150 million offer for Alvarez.
Atletico immediately rejected the proposal and maintained their position that the forward is not for sale.
The club is reportedly unwilling to consider any deal involving one of its key players, particularly to city rivals Real Madrid.
There are differing views regarding Madrid’s intentions.
Some sources believe the offer represented a genuine attempt to sign Alvarez following the collapse of plans involving Olise.
Others suggest the move was unlikely to succeed from the outset and was instead intended to demonstrate Madrid’s willingness to invest heavily under head coach Jose Mourinho.
Another theory circulating within transfer circles is that Madrid’s approach may have added uncertainty to Barcelona’s pursuit of the player.
Despite the speculation, Atletico’s position remains unchanged, with the club determined to keep Alvarez this summer.
Barcelona, however, continue to monitor developments and remain interested should circumstances change.
Arsenal have also been linked with the Argentina international but are reportedly shifting their focus towards alternative targets amid concerns that a deal may be out of reach.
Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keeping track of the situation as admirers of the forward.
Following Atletico’s rejection, Real Madrid are expected to explore other attacking options.
One player reportedly under consideration is Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is highly rated internally and remains among the club’s preferred forward targets.
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