Barcelona receive major boost as Atletico Madrid relax stance over Julian Alvarez sale

Barcelona receive major boost as Atletico Madrid relax stance over Julian Alvarez sale Since the start of the summer transfer window, one of the worst-kept secrets in football has been Barcelona’s interest in signing Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. So far, the Madrid-based club have been steadfast in their stance not to sell the talented striker this summer, irrespective of the offer. Barcelona have already seen a bid for Alvarez rejected by Atletico and their efforts mocked on the latter’s social media handles. However, according to journalist Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA , Barcelona may have received an important opening in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez. For the first time, Los Colchoneros are starting to consider the possibility of the Argentine forward leaving the club. Barcelona will try again once the player finishes his World Cup commitments. Atletico begin to consider an exit Julian Alvarez wants to leave Atletico. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) The key detail is not that Alvarez is leaving. The important shift is that Atletico are now thinking about how to manage the situation if he does not continue. That is a significant change in tone. Until now, any Barcelona interest looked extremely difficult because the Rojiblancos had little reason to entertain a sale. However, keeping an unhappy player who does not want to stay at the club helps no one, and Atletico will know this very well. If the Spanish capital club are now open to at least hearing proposals, Barça will have to stay alert. In any case, they would seek a fee in excess of €130 million for the Argentine striker. Barcelona expected to try again Alvarez is an easy player to understand. He presses, combines, attacks space and can play across the front line. In a Hansi Flick team, those traits would carry real value. Door open for Barcelona to make a move. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Still, Barça fans should be realistic. Interest is not an agreement, and Atletico listening to offers does not mean they will accept a comfortable price. Los Colchoneros will also not want to do any favours for their league rivals, and driving up his price could stop Barcelona from reinforcing elsewhere. Alvarez is currently busy with Argentina on international duty, but he has not set the World Cup on fire as yet. He has looked far from his best and is still trying to recapture his best form after injury, but this should not stop Barcelona. Everyone knows just how good Alvarez can be when he is in form, and Hansi Flick will be confident of getting it out of him. It feels like this transfer saga is just getting started, and it remains to be seen whether Barcelona make a second bid to Atletico Madrid to sign the 26-year-old attacker.