Atletico Madrid increase pressure as Barcelona target ordered back for training on August 10

Atletico Madrid increase pressure as Barcelona target ordered back for training on August 10 Atletico Madrid has taken another step in its standoff over key forward and FC Barcelona target Julian Avarez by officially summoning the Argentine striker back for preseason training on August 10. Indeed, according to SPORT , the Rojiblancos have granted the same vacation period to all players who featured in the World Cup final. As such, Alvarez is expected to report alongside Spanish internationals Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Alex Baena, and Alejandro Grimaldo, as well as fellow Argentines Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone, Juan Musso, and Thiago Almada. The message from Atletico is clear: the club continue to stand firm and act as Alvarez will remain part of the squad next season. A three-way standoff The dispute between Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Alvarez shows no signs of easing. Inside the Spanish capital club, there is a growing belief that the striker and his representatives are aligned with Barcelona in their desire to complete a transfer. Los Colchoneros , however, maintain that they hold the stronger position. Alvarez asked to report for training on August 10. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) The striker is under contract until 2031 and has a €500 million release clause, leaving the club under no obligation to negotiate unless it chooses to do so. And, now, Alvarez has already been informed of his return date for training before the start of the new season. Barcelona holding firm Attention now turns to whether Barcelona will maintain or withdraw their offer. The Catalan club’s proposal of around €100 million has been rejected by Atletico, who insist they will not entertain offers of any valuation. Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to describe the offer as final and have repeatedly stated they will not enter into an unlimited bidding war, although there may still be room to adjust the structure of the deal through performance-related bonuses. Behind the scenes, discussions continue, but no breakthrough has been achieved. Alvarez has made his position clear Alvarez has already taken what many consider the biggest step in the process by publicly expressing his desire to leave Atletico Madrid. While he stopped short of explicitly naming Barcelona, his comments made it clear where he hopes to continue his career away from the Metropolitano and at the Spotify Camp Nou. Where will Alvarez play next season? (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Those statements prompted a firm response from Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta argued that no elite club should keep a player who wishes to leave . What next? For now, the situation remains at a standstill. Barcelona are not expected to improve their fixed offer, although adjustments to bonuses remain a possibility. Much could now depend on whether Alvarez decides to increase the pressure by publicly explaining his version of events, including reports that he believes he had been promised he could leave if a suitable offer arrived. Despite the growing tension, one scenario still appears unlikely. Alvarez is not expected to refuse Atletico’s call-up for training or go on strike. Such a move would be out of character for the Argentine, whose professionalism has rarely been questioned. Whether that changes may depend on how the club handle the situation in the weeks ahead, but for now the transfer saga remains unresolved.