FC Barcelona have taken a very important step for Julián Álvarez in recent hours. According to SPORT, the club are preparing a first offer to Atlético de Madrid. The proposal would be worth around €90 million plus bonuses, already a very significant figure.
The operation will not be quick, simple or comparable to the recent move for Anthony Gordon. Inside Barça, they know Atlético do not want to lose one of their biggest stars. In addition, PSG and Arsenal remain very attentive to the Argentine striker’s situation.
The progress comes after an important meeting led by Deco this Wednesday in Barcelona. The sporting director met with intermediaries selected to explore a real route for the operation. Shortly afterwards, Fernando Hidalgo, Julián’s representative, arrived personally to join the talks.
Julián’s entourage are already listening to Barça
Hidalgo’s presence was interpreted as an important signal inside the blaugrana club. According to SPORT, the agent spent more than four hours in the meeting with Deco. That detail strengthens the feeling that the operation has entered a different phase.
At Barça, they left satisfied, although nobody wants to sell excessive optimism yet. The negotiation still has one enormous problem: the price Atlético will demand. The Madrid club have the Argentine fully protected and do not intend to facilitate a cheap exit.
Julián signed for Atlético until 2030, something that gives the Metropolitano side huge negotiating power. The club can demand a massive amount just to sit down and negotiate. That is why the player’s own will now appears absolutely decisive.
The player’s desire could change everything
During the conversations, Barça delivered a very clear message to the Argentine striker’s entourage. If Julián truly wants to wear blaugrana, he will need to take visible steps throughout the summer. The objective is for Atlético to feel that his priority is to play in Barcelona.
According to SPORT, Barça believe that positioning has already started to happen. The Argentine, in his own way, would have hinted that his first option is the Catalan club. That would explain why his agents accepted an in-person meeting with the sporting department.
The situation resembles many major transfers where the player’s desire eventually becomes decisive. Without enough financial power, Barça cannot compete against every European proposal. But with Julián pushing, the club believes their chances could increase significantly.
Flick and Deco have already marked him as the priority
The blaugrana interest does not come from a random opportunity or a simple media movement. According to SPORT, Hansi Flick has already spoken several times with Julián Álvarez. Deco, meanwhile, has maintained constant contact with his entourage since before 2026.
Inside Barça, they see the Argentine as a striker capable of defining an era. His movement, pressing, game intelligence and finishing ability fit perfectly into the new project. He can also coexist with quick wingers and contribute heavily outside the box.
The departure of Robert Lewandowski forces the club to find a new offensive leader. Gordon would strengthen the wing and provide tactical variations, but he would not end the search for a true number nine. That is why Julián appears as the major strategic bet to lead the next decade.
Atlético prepare strong resistance
Atlético do not want to open the door easily to such a sensitive sale this summer. Losing Julián to a direct rival would represent a huge sporting and emotional blow. In addition, the Madrid club still believe they can rebuild their project around the Argentine.
PSG appear as the most dangerous financial rival for Barça in this race. The French club can present a bigger offer and provide extremely powerful salary conditions. Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, with the Premier League capable of pushing the bidding even higher.
Barça therefore need to combine money, patience and a firm stance from the player himself. The first €90 million plus bonuses offer would only be the beginning of the battle. The final twist is already on the table: Julián wants Barça, but Atlético will set the price.
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