Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has reached another important stage, with the player’s representatives informing the Catalan club that a meeting involving Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin could be the key to moving the situation forward.
According to COPE, Alvarez’s entourage believe direct talks between Gil Marin and the Argentine striker would be the next logical step as Barcelona continue working on a deal for their priority attacking target.
The situation remains difficult, as Atletico Madrid have made their position clear, while Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is pushing the club to keep exploring every possible route to bring the Argentine forward to Camp Nou.
Julian Alvarez camp points Barcelona towards key meeting
As mentioned by the aforementioned outlet, Alvarez’s representatives have informed Barcelona that the next step should involve a meeting between Gil Marin and Alvarez himself.
The Atletico CEO’s arrival in Madrid is expected to make such a conversation possible, with Alvarez’s camp hoping direct talks could help clarify the situation and potentially unblock the transfer.
Notably, Barcelona have continued to face resistance from Atletico, who have shown little willingness to negotiate the departure of one of their most important players.
Alvarez’s representatives will meet with Atletico Madrid officials. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Flick, however, is keen for the club to accelerate their efforts, with the German coach viewing Alvarez as a key target.
However, Barcelona’s desire to complete the signing has not changed Atletico Madrid’s stance.
Gil Marin has publicly insisted in the past that both he and the club want the Argentine to remain.
Speaking about Alvarez’s future, he said: “My opinion is clear, the club’s will is clear, we have made this clear to the player and his agent, and to the president of Barça.
“I have no doubt that Atletico is the right place in the world for Julian, and Julian is the perfect striker for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him,” he added.
So what happens now?
Barcelona are not giving up on Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Barcelona know that Alvarez’s representatives are now looking for a direct conversation that could help bring clarity to the situation.
Atletico Madrid, though, have remained firm, as their message has been consistent, creating an awkward situation for the player, especially with his future becoming one of the major stories of the transfer window.
The prolonged uncertainty could also become a sporting concern for Atletico.
As reported before, the club is beginning to worry about whether the situation surrounding Alvarez’s future could eventually affect his performances.
Atletico’s concern is centred on the possibility that the continued transfer tension could impact his motivation, focus or form if the matter remains unresolved.
For Barcelona, that does not necessarily make a deal easier, as Atletico remain in control of the player’s future, and Gil Marin’s comments suggest they have no intention of opening the door simply because Barcelona want to sign him.