Barcelona’s efforts to sign Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez have been dealt a significant blow, with reports suggesting the club has only a one percent chance of securing his services this summer. The Catalan giants had a €100 million bid rejected for the Argentine international, with president Joan Laporta confirming the offer remains on the table.
Real Madrid also submitted a bid, reportedly reaching €150 million, though this was widely considered a publicity stunt rather than a serious attempt to prise Álvarez away from their city rivals. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also expressed interest in the 26-year-old, with the Gunners specifically searching for a player of his profile according to FootballTransfers.
Álvarez himself has publicly indicated his desire to leave Atlético, stating after Argentina’s World Cup win over Austria that a transfer would be “the best thing for everyone” and that he wants to “fulfil my dream.” However, Atlético are proving resolute in their stance, referencing Álvarez’s €500 million release clause and seemingly mocking Barcelona’s advances on social media.
According to Cadena SER journalist Miguel Martin Talavera, the likelihood of Álvarez joining Barcelona is extremely slim. “There’s very little chance of him joining Barcelona,” Talavera stated. “The most likely scenario is that he stays with Atlético Madrid. He won’t be sold to Barcelona. Not for €100m, not for €150m and not for €200m.”
Álvarez is currently under contract with Atlético until 2030, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €104 million, having peaked at €129 million earlier this year. This valuation provides a strong justification for Atlético’s unwillingness to part with one of their key players. While Arsenal could potentially make a substantial offer, Álvarez is reportedly uninterested in a return to the Premier League, and the Gunners may be hesitant to meet Atlético’s demands.
Despite the low probability, the situation remains fluid, and speculation surrounding Álvarez’s future is likely to continue until the transfer window closes. However, Atlético’s firm stance suggests that the forward will remain in Madrid for the upcoming season.
