The situation around Julian Alvarez is beginning to reach an uncomfortable point for everyone involved.
Barcelona have made their intentions clear that the Argentine is their preferred choice to lead the attack, and an offer of €100 million is still awaiting a response.
Alvarez, meanwhile, wants the move, but the problem is Atletico Madrid.
Ever since Barcelona’s interest became public, Atletico have not softened their position and continue to plan for the striker as part of Diego Simeone’s squad for the 2026-27 season.
The Argentine coach has already communicated that message directly to his player, leaving Alvarez caught between the club he currently represents and the move he wants to make.
That is now the central issue.
Hence, with the situation at a standstill, Alvarez’s representatives are expected to step in.
Atletico refuse to move despite Barcelona’s €100m offer
According to the information provided, Barcelona’s proposal has not yet prompted Atletico to enter negotiations.
Julian Alvarez is currently training with Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The €100 million offer remains unanswered, while the message from within the Madrid club has been consistent: Alvarez is part of their plans.
The striker returned to training this week hoping to move closer to a resolution, but his first significant conversation was with Simeone.
Rather than opening the door to a departure, the Atletico manager explained that the club were counting on him for the season ahead.
That leaves Alvarez with limited options.
A grim face
The player has continued to behave professionally and returned to train with his teammates on Saturday as preparations for the new campaign continued.
Yet reports and images from his return have suggested that the uncertainty surrounding his future is taking its toll.
In a video shared by El Desmarque, it is seen that the Argentine forward is training with a grim face and without much excitement.
Furthermore, he was not included in the squad for the friendly against Olympique de Marseille, despite other international players returning to the group.
For now, Alvarez is still an Atletico player, training under Simeone and preparing for a season he hopes will begin somewhere else.
Alvarez’s representatives prepare to take the next step
For now, it is said that Alvarez’s representatives are seeking a meeting with Atletico Madrid’s hierarchy in an attempt to understand whether there is any realistic path towards a transfer.
That meeting could become crucial.
The player has made his desire to join Barcelona clear, but his position alone has not been enough to change Atletico’s stance.
If the club continue to refuse negotiations, his representatives may need to establish whether there is a figure or set of conditions that could eventually unlock a deal.
Until then, Barcelona are facing an awkward dilemma.