Barcelona have made an initial approach to Atletico Madrid to understand the club’s position on a potential summer move for Julian Alvarez.
Head coach Hansi Flick is keen to bring in a new No 9, with Alvarez identified as a leading option to complete an attacking trio alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha next season.
Any deal is expected to be difficult. Atletico are reluctant to part with the 26-year-old, while Barcelona also face financial limitations as they continue to operate outside LaLiga financial fair play regulations.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal that could rise to €95m. He is under contract until 2030 and has a €500m release clause. Sources indicate Atletico could offer him an improved deal running until 2032 in an effort to deter interest.
However, Barcelona believe the player’s willingness to move could be decisive, pointing to the precedent set when Antoine Griezmann left Atletico for the Catalan club.
Club president Joan Laporta is expected to lead negotiations, working with Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany.
Alvarez has long been tracked by Barcelona, dating back to his time at River Plate, and is now viewed as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski, who is out of contract in June. The club is prepared to offer Lewandowski a new deal on reduced terms.
