MADRID. Atletico Madrid have established a €150 million cash valuation for Julian Alvarez, though the Spanish champions are demanding the full amount be paid upfront with no scope for instalments or player exchanges, as Barcelona continue their pursuit of the Argentina international.
The World Cup winner has emerged as the primary target for the Catalan club this summer as they seek to reinforce their attacking options, but Atletico are proving characteristically difficult negotiators. The Madrid based side, known for their hardline stance in transfer dealings, have made clear their reluctance to strengthen a direct domestic rival .
According to reports from SPORT, Los Colchoneros have set stringent conditions for any potential sale to Barcelona. The €150 million fee must be paid entirely in cash, with no deferred payments permitted, and the Catalan club cannot lower the price through the inclusion of players in the operation .
The stance represents a significant obstacle for Barcelona, who have already seen a proposal worth approximately €100 million rejected by the reigning La Liga champions. The Catalan club are reportedly unwilling to exceed €120 million in guaranteed payments, though the overall package could rise to around €130 million through performance related bonuses .
Atletico’s position softens considerably for overseas suitors, with Arsenal identified as a club who could potentially structure a deal involving Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres alongside €70 million in cash. Such an arrangement is not available to Barcelona, who face far stricter terms .
The impasse has been exacerbated by the deteriorating relationship between the two clubs, with Atletico figures reportedly furious at the player’s public comments regarding his desire to depart. Alvarez, who has scored 49 goals in 106 appearances since arriving from Manchester City in 2024, spoke openly about his wish to leave during the ongoing FIFA World Cup .
“I can’t hide, nor act as if I don’t want to be clear, I’m trying to be honest,” Alvarez told ESPN. “I spoke with people at Atletico, and I think the best thing for everyone involved is for me to leave. I want to fulfil my dream.”
Despite the financial constraints, Barcelona remain determined to secure the Argentine’s signature. Contact continues between the Catalan club and Alvarez’s representatives, with negotiations expected to intensify following the conclusion of the World Cup .
For now, Atletico maintain their hardline position. The club have previously indicated they would demand the activation of Alvarez’s €500 million release clause rather than negotiate with Barcelona, though the reported €150 million asking price suggests some room for dialogue exists under the strict conditions outlined .
