Barcelona’s strategy on top target remains unchanged despite Atletico Madrid coach’s comments
· Yahoo Sports
Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has become one of the defining sagas of the summer, as the club continue to find a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
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But Atletico Madrid have remained defiant throughout, with the club adamant they will not sell their star man to a direct rival.
Now, Diego Simeone has added his voice to the matter, though it has not deterred Barcelona in the slightest.
Barcelona undeterred by Simeone
Barcelona not sweating over Simeone’s recent comments. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone’s comments in Seoul during Atletico’s pre-season, in which he reaffirmed the club’s stance, have not altered Barcelona’s strategy to sign Alvarez.
The Atletico coach referred to Miguel Angel Gil Marin’s decision and stressed that the situation must be handled from a sporting perspective, emphasising the striker’s importance to his plans.
Despite this latest rejection, this time from the manager, Barcelona remain focused on Alvarez, who continues to be Deco and Hansi Flick’s number one target for the number nine position.
A crucial week ahead
The coming days are expected to prove decisive in determining the outcome of the saga.
Alvarez is expected to formally request a transfer through negotiations as soon as his holiday ends and he rejoins Simeone for training.
The coming week will be crucial for Alvarez’s future. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
For Barcelona, it is crucial that Atletico become willing to listen, negotiate and ultimately consider a new offer.
At the same time, Ferran Torres’ potential departure is set to be finalised, a development that would only heighten Barcelona’s need for a striker.
Indeed, Simeone himself has already confirmed he plans to include Alvarez in his side for Atletico’s league opener against Malaga, underlining the club’s intent to keep him.
Should Alvarez fail to resolve his situation this week through dialogue, Barcelona are prepared to activate their Plan B for the ‘Spider’.
Flick wants clarity over the squad he will have at his disposal before LaLiga begins, meaning the Catalans cannot afford to wait indefinitely.
For now, though, Alvarez remains the priority, and Barcelona will be hoping his return to Atletico sparks the breakthrough they have been waiting for.