Chelsea could find themselves in a battle against Barcelona and other clubs this summer for Julian Alvarez’s signature.
It was recently claimed that Chelsea are pushing to sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid as they look to bring in a new forward.
However, Barcelona also seem to be in the frame to sign the 26-year-old in the next transfer window.
What deal are you doing? 🤔
Julian Alvarez for £87m OR Dusan Vlahovic on a free transfer?
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez running and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic warming up
Credit: Yagiz Gurtug/NurPhoto/Aitor Alcalde via Getty Images
In fact, the Catalan club may actually be the frontrunners to land Alvarez in a blow to Chelsea.
Barcelona sporting director Deco interviewed after a Champions League draw.
Photo by Kristian Skeie – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Deco warns Chelsea they’re behind Barcelona in race for Julian Alvarez
Barcelona’s current sporting director is Deco, who used to play for both the La Liga outfit and Chelsea.
According to TEAMtalk, he has now warned Alvarez’s suitors, which would include his former club Chelsea, that Barcelona are the Argentine’s first choice.
Whether Hansi Flick’s side can actually afford him, though, is another story. As for Chelsea, they have the money and will just have to be wary of the Premier League’s financial rules.
How much would you be happy to pay for Julian Alvarez?🤔
Atletico Madrid set Julian Alvarez price tag
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
It has already been reported that Chelsea are ready to break the bank for Alvarez. His goal record in Spain makes it hardly a surprise that some of Europe’s top clubs want him.
Last season, the Argentina international scored 29 goals in 57 appearances. In the Champions League, he netted seven times in 10 outings.
Deco and Barcelona are clearly going to do what they can to sign him, which is not good news for Chelsea.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid reacts
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Why Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be sick of Deco
Deco has helped Barcelona to beat Chelsea to a signing before: Raphinha.
Shortly after being taken over by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, Chelsea were interested in signing Raphinha when the Brazilian was still at Leeds United.
The Blues even agreed a fee with their Premier League rivals, but Raphinha, who was being represented by Deco at the time, ended up joining Barcelona instead.
It looks like Deco could get in Chelsea’s way once again as he tries to facilitate a transfer for Alvarez.
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