Atletico Madrid will not reduce their €500 million asking price for Barcelona target

Atletico Madrid will not reduce their €500 million asking price for Barcelona target Barcelona and Atletico Madrid seem to be embroiled in one of the ugliest transfer sagas in recent times over the transfer of Julian Alvarez. Right from the beginning, the Madrid-based club have been very clear in their stance that they have no intention of negotiating for the Argentine forward. Now, according to MARCA , Atletico Madrid’s stance on the 26-year-old remains firm, with Barcelona facing a very difficult road if they want to sign the Argentine forward. Atletico’s position has not changed. If Julian wants to leave, his price is €500 million. That figure is not a normal transfer valuation. It is a message. Atletico are making it clear that they do not want to negotiate with Barcelona, at least not under the current circumstances around the player. Barcelona and Julian Alvarez want to unite this summer. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images) Atletico’s management believe they have complete control of the situation and will not change their stance. Barça face a political wall This is the biggest obstacle in the whole operation. Julian may be the dream target, and his profile may fit Hansi Flick perfectly, but Atletico are not acting like a club ready to sell. The tension goes beyond money. Atletico reportedly feel that Barcelona have shown them a lack of respect, which explains why the situation has become so emotional and political. In a normal transfer, the question is price. In this case, the question is pride, pressure and control. Barça can admire Julian’s movement, pressing, finishing and versatility as much as they want. However, if Atletico decide the door is closed, the operation becomes almost impossible. Desire alone is not enough This is where Barcelona must be careful. Julian’s desire can help create pressure, but it is also antagonising an already hostile club. Atletico holding firm. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Atletico hold the contract, and they are now using that power to send a very strong public message. A €500 million price is effectively a refusal. Yes, Julian would be a brilliant signing. He has the work rate, intelligence and big-game mentality to become the face of Barça’s attack after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The reality today is harsh, though. This is a transfer saga that promises to drag on until the very end of the summer transfer window, and even that might not bring a solution. It remains to be seen how many more twists and turns take place in this triangular story between Barça, Atletico and Julian.