Barcelona are still trying to replace Robert Lewandowski this summer, and like Arsenal, the Catalan club are credited with a transfer interest in Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez during a Atletico Madrid training session
Barcelona are apparently lining up alternatives to Julian Alvarez(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Lautaro Martinez is reportedly emerging as an alternative to Julian Alvarez for Barcelona. Atletico Madrid are apparently open to negotiating with Arsenal for the Argentina international.
Alvarez, 26, is believed to have his heart set on signing for the Catalan club, despite his employers being unwilling to do business with them. Barcelona have yet to replace Robert Lewandowski during this summer transfer window and face the prospect of starting the La Liga season with Raphinha as their sole central striker.
The Gunners, conversely, signed Viktor Gyokeres barely 12 months ago. However, they could end up swapping the Swede for Alvarez.
El Chiringuito claim Barcelona's head coach, Hansi Flick, and sporting director, Deco, are extremely interested in securing Martinez. The latter is reported to have held discussions with their football co-ordinator, Bojan, and the Argentine's representative, Alejandro Camano, in Madrid last week.
The reporting suggests they have effectively already reached an agreement in principle with the player on personal terms. An initial proposal from Barcelona will apparently not exceed £ 86 million (€100m).
Yet, like Atletico, Inter are reluctant to part with their striker, who also captains the Milanese outfit. Gazzetta dello Sport emphasises that they are not considering his exit.
Julian Alvarez during an Atletico Madrid training session
Julian Alvarez is training with Atletico Madrid, but did not play in their La Liga opener against Malaga(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Fans in Madrid are, meanwhile, making their displeasure towards Alvarez abundantly clear, with several banners appearing around the club's Sports City bearing the message "JULIAN OUT" alongside his shirt number 19 crossed out. Supporters voiced similar frustrations ahead of yesterday's La Liga curtain-raiser against Malaga.
A banner unveiled earlier in the week read: "Julian, thank you for the respect you are having for us, a**hole. Barca and your circle have deceived you like a capricious child. Our Atleti above all."
Alvarez was absent from the matchday squad at Metropolitano Stadium last night. He has not featured for Atletico at all since last season.
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Mundo Deportivo report that they recognise the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable and are apparently willing to negotiate a deal for Alvarez. Gyokeres could step in as his replacement, with Diego Simeone understood to be receptive to the idea.
The former Manchester City striker has his sights firmly set on Barcelona and appears to have no desire to return to the Premier League. Atletico are equally reluctant to do business with their domestic rivals, leaving the impasse very much intact.
Alvarez continues to train with the club, though whether he will pull on their shirt again remains very much in doubt.
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