Barcelona having serious doubts about move for €100m-rated target as Atletico Madrid take firm stance

It is no secret that FC Barcelona have their sights set on Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez heading into the summer transfer window.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has emerged as the top target for Joan Laporta & co., as they look to add a new centre-forward before the start of the next season.

However, finances could be an issue, with recent reports suggesting that Barça can offer a maximum of only €50 million in transfer fees for the Argentine and could potentially include a player as part of the deal.

Atletico Madrid rule out player-plus-cash operations

But, in a fresh development, SPORT reports that Atletico Madrid have made their position clear regarding Alvarez, insisting that they will not accept player exchanges in any potential deal with Barcelona.

Los Rojiblancos, who lock horns with the Catalans later tonight in La Liga, are unhappy with the latter’s approach regarding the Alvarez situation during the season and the role played by the forward himself in the matter.

Barcelona have not yet opened formal negotiations with Atletico, but they have held discussions with the player’s representatives to assess his willingness to join and to explore potential financial terms.

While personal terms are not expected to be an issue, messages from Atletico suggest that any departure will occur strictly under their conditions and at a high price.