Julian Alvarez has emerged as a hot topic in the Barcelona camp for the major part of the season, with the attacker reportedly being considered a priority target for the club.
With Barcelona looking to sign a reliable number one and a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, the Argentine forward fits the bill well.
Even Joan Laporta has recently lauded Alvarez, acknowledging that he would be a great fit for the club. However, these rumours haven’t gone down well with Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid president on Alvarez links
Speaking to the media ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash against Tottenham, the club’s president, Enrique Cerezo, was asked about speculation linking Alvarez with a move to Barcelona.
Cerezo sounded spiteful, adding that he does not see Alvarez moving to Barça and that the Argentine is still an Atleti player.
“I don’t see it one way or the other. Everyone can say what they want. Julian Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
It appears Cerezo is confident of Atletico Madrid keeping hold of the former Manchester City star in the coming summer, despite the interest from Barcelona.
Few can blame Cerezo, as Atletico Madrid do indeed hold a lot of leverage over Alvarez’s future thanks to his long-term contract in the Spanish capital.
Atleti are helped by the fact that Barcelona are still operating with an inflated budget and are yet to return to the 1:1 rule, which will make it even more difficult for the Catalans to afford a move for Alvarez.
Recent reports suggest the Argentine international could cost up to €200 million, meaning Barcelona are not entirely in a position to afford Alvarez anytime soon.
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