Laporta Confirms €100M Bid for Julián Álvarez as Transfer Deadline Looms

Barcelona president Joan Laporta maintains a standing offer for Julián Álvarez despite Atlético Madrid's initial refusal to sell the 26-year-old forward.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed on Wednesday that the club’s bid for Julián Álvarez remains active, following a previously rejected offer worth over €100 million. The Spanish champions identified the 26-year-old Argentina forward as their primary target to replace Robert Lewandowski. While Atlético Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín informed Laporta via telephone that the club would not sanction a transfer without a replacement, Barcelona is prepared to finalize a deal before the window closes next week if the situation changes.

During a 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano on Sunday, Álvarez faced visible friction with the home supporters. The former Manchester City player was whistled by the crowd prior to kickoff and again during his entry as a second-half substitute. Following the final whistle, Álvarez opted to head down the tunnel alone rather than join his teammates in front of the South Goal, a move coach Diego Simeone attributed to advice provided by the club. This tension follows the player's June statement to ESPN that a transfer would be best for all parties to fulfill his dream.

Laporta Details Negotiations with Gil Marín

Laporta disclosed that he instructed sporting director Deco to place the pursuit on standby after Gil Marín cited the lack of a replacement as the reason for blocking the move. However, Barcelona reactivated their interest upon receiving information that Atlético was engaged in negotiations with other clubs. Real Madrid reportedly failed with a €150 million bid for the striker, while Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also monitored his availability. Laporta emphasized that the Catalan club is sticking to its plan and hopes for an understanding between the two hierarchies.

Despite the ongoing pursuit, the relationship between the two LaLiga sides has been strained. Atlético Madrid reported Barcelona to FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, alleging that the Catalan side engaged in tapping up the forward. Laporta defended the club's conduct, stating that he maintains the utmost respect for Atlético’s directors, whom he has known for many years. He noted that coach Hansi Flick has a specific interest in signing the player, which prompted the significant financial proposal earlier this summer.

Competitive Interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid

Arsenal remains positioned in the background, waiting to see if a move to Barcelona becomes inviable before attempting to convince the player to move to London. Although Atlético has publicly insisted they will not let the Argentina international leave, sources confirmed to ESPN that the player's preference is to sign for Barça. Vox Populi reports also suggest the player's desire is to join the Catalan side.

With less than seven days remaining in the summer transfer window, Barcelona is relying on third parties of confidence to navigate the hierarchy at Atlético. The club is monitoring whether Atlético’s stance will soften if they secure their own targets. Laporta reiterated that the offer stands and that the club is waiting for the moment a replacement is found so they can conclude the deal for their top offensive target.