Atletico Madrid open contract talks with Julian Alvarez amid Barcelona interest
Atletico Madrid have opened contract renewal talks with forward Julian Alvarez in a bid to secure his future and deter interest from Barcelona. According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, speaking to TV3, the new deal would extend the Argentine's contract beyond its current 2028 expiry and include a significant wage increase. The move is reportedly backed by both Sporting Director Mateu Alemany and the club's new majority owners, Apollo Sports Capital.
Barcelona have identified the 26-year-old as their primary summer target to eventually succeed veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. Despite Alvarez having publicly stated he is happy in Madrid, he has consistently refused to completely rule out a departure, a stance that has encouraged the Catalan club. Moretto notes that Alvarez remains the dream signing for Barcelona president Joan Laporta, ensuring that talks over a potential move are likely to occur in the coming months.
The financial aspect of any transfer presents a major hurdle for Barcelona. While the club has briefed that it expects to be within La Liga's salary limit for the first time in five years, funding a deal for a player of Alvarez's caliber would almost certainly require one or two significant player sales first. Premier League side Arsenal have also registered interest and are considered more financially capable of meeting Atletico's demands should the player become available.
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 and has since become a key figure in Diego Simeone's attack, blending relentless pressing with a consistent goal threat. His importance to the project under the new ownership makes him a player the club is desperate to retain. Atletico have consistently maintained that the forward is not for sale, and a new contract would be the strongest possible signal of that intent.
However, the ultimate decision may rest with the player. Moretto explained that Alemany and Atletico are aware that retaining Alvarez would become far more difficult if he formally requests to leave. The contract talks are therefore a proactive measure to reinforce the club's position and reward a key asset. For Barcelona, the pursuit is complicated further by other priorities, including a move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, which also depends on generating funds through sales.
The situation remains in flux, with Atletico's contractual push now setting the stage for a strategic battle over the striker's future. The coming weeks will reveal whether Alvarez commits his long-term future to the Metropolitano or if Barcelona can assemble a compelling package to test Atletico Madrid's resolve.
