Atlético Madrid have become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer with Julián Álvarez. Sources indicate that the Argentine striker is keen to sign for Barcelona, but Atlético have made it clear that they will not part with a player to a direct La Liga rival.
Barcelona could potentially trigger Álvarez’s rumoured €500m release clause but that is almost impossible due to their current financial constraints. Atlético have been quoted to giving him two options: stay in Madrid and play for Diego Simeone, or seek a move abroad. Some have suggested that Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain could be targets but neither is simple to make.
PSG could be targeting other attacking options, while Arsenal have Viktor Gyökeres and might be looking for a big name such as Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Álvarez is also thought to be comfortable in Madrid, and would be hesitant to depart from Spain, which is a bad deal for both the player and Atlético.
Simeone is hoping the World Cup champion comes back to the club for pre-season training. One big foreign club may be the only prospect for Álvarez to leave Atlético, unless they make an exceptional offer.
