Atletico Madrid will not change stance on Barcelona target despite contrary claims

Atletico Madrid will not change stance on Barcelona target despite contrary claims Earlier in the day, Barcelona were handed a major boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, as it was reported that Atletico Madrid have softened their stance on the player’s future. Atleti were previously not too keen on selling their star player to a direct rival like Barcelona. But the report suggested that Los Colchoneros were starting to consider the possibility of selling Alvarez to the Catalans. No change of position from Atleti Alvarez in action at the World Cup. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) However, a fresh report from MARCA has clarified that there has been such a change of stance from Atletico Madrid. In fact, Atletico’s position has not budged an inch, and they have no intention of granting the player his dream destination, Barcelona. This has been made clear to Alvarez himself in recent weeks, along with the impossibility of changing course regarding the Argentine ending up at the Camp Nou. Interestingly, this hardline stance comes even as Atletico find themselves in a position where they now have to sell in order to fund their own summer business. The Rojiblancos have set a net investment figure of around €80 million for the window, which will be reached with the arrivals of Alejandro Grimaldo, Kang-in Lee and Morten Hjulmand. Any further signings will depend on what Atletico can raise through sales, with the likes of Thiago Almada, Alexander Sorloth, Jose Maria Gimenez and Matteo Ruggeri all potentially available. Yet even with the need to generate funds, Atletico remain unwilling to do business with Barcelona over Alvarez, underlining just how firm their resolve is on this particular matter. Alvarez yet to make an impact at the World Cup Alvarez wasn’t able to make a huge impact against Egypt. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) While the transfer saga rumbles on, Alvarez himself has endured a largely underwhelming World Cup with Argentina. The striker has struggled for both minutes and impact for the reigning world champions, often cutting a frustrated figure as the tournament has progressed. Alvarez did start in Argentina’s dramatic comeback win over Egypt, but his impact was limited as he was not able to make any meaningful inroads against the opposition defence. Alvarez’s limited impact is something Barcelona will keep in mind, as the transfer saga continues to drag.