Barcelona believe they are in pole position to sign priority attacking target – report

Barcelona believe they are in pole position to sign priority attacking target – report According to Ferran Correas of SPORT , FC Barcelona remain convinced they are in the pole position to sign Julian Alvarez despite the lack of progress in negotiations with Atlético Madrid. With the World Cup still ongoing, talks have temporarily cooled, but the Catalan club plan to revive the operation before the end of July by submitting an improved proposal for the striker, who remains Hansi Flick’s top target to replace Robert Lewandowski. A new offer in the works Barcelona’s first bid, worth around €100 million, was presented to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer but received no formal response. Rather than increasing the guaranteed transfer fee, the Blaugrana are preparing a revised package that will maintain a fixed payment of €100 million while adding performance-based bonuses that could raise the overall value of the deal. Barcelona are also willing to discuss the inclusion of one of their own players if Atletico identify someone who fits their sporting project. Laporta to lead negotiations This time, club president Joan Laporta is expected to take personal control of the negotiations . Laporta will spearhead negotiations with Cerezo. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Barcelona believe direct discussions with Atletico president Enrique Cerezo and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin offer the best chance of reaching an agreement. Within the club, there is a feeling that the Rojiblancos’ sporting director Mateu Alemany represents an obstacle in the negotiations, prompting Laporta to become more directly involved. Confidence comes from the player Barcelona’s optimism is largely based on Alvarez’s own stance. Club officials remain convinced that the Argentine has no intention of negotiating with other interested teams and continues to prioritize a move to Camp Nou above all other options. Although Arsenal and PSG have both been linked with the striker, the Catalans believe neither club has submitted a stronger financial proposal than the one already offered by them. According to sources close to the club, Arsenal have not reached the €100 million mark, while PSG’s proposals would rely heavily on player exchanges rather than guaranteed cash. Still the absolute priority. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) Despite their confidence, Barcelona are unwilling to let the saga drag on indefinitely. With their La Liga season set to begin in the third week of August, the reigning champions want clarity well before then so Flick can prepare his squad with certainty. Backup plan already in place As such, if Atletico Madrid continue to refuse negotiations, Barcelona are prepared to walk away. In fact, as already reported , Deco has spent recent weeks working quietly on an alternative. While Barcelona remain fully focused on Alvarez, the club has already identified another elite striker capable of leading the attack if the Argentine deal ultimately collapses. For now, however, the Argentine remains the priority, and Barcelona still believe they are leading the race for his signature.