A painful blow to “Atletico”. Barcelona announces the “golden leaf” in Alvarez’s file.

The transfer of Argentina forward Julian Alvarez has entered a new phase of escalation after Barcelona made a formal offer to sign the player in the summer transfer window, a move that confirms the Catalan club’s seriousness in signing one of world football’s biggest stars amid Atletico Madrid’s insistence that they will not open further negotiations for the player.

According to Spain’s Mundo Deportivo, citing sources at Atletico Madrid, Barcelona have sent an initial offer worth €100 million to Madrid sporting director Matteo Almani by email in order to acquire Alvarez’s services.

The report stated that the move was part of the usual official procedures in the transfer market, although Atletico Madrid had previously denied any official offer and described some of the reports circulating as false.

Sources have confirmed that Barcelona management have no intention of entering into any media debate with Atletico Madrid and are treating the matter as a normal transfer deal subject to negotiation between the clubs, while leaving the final decision to the Madrid club to accept or reject the offer based on their sporting interests.

The Catalans’ optimism in the deal is based on the position of the player himself, as information suggests that Alvarez, through his agent Fernando Hidalgo, has informed the management of Atletico Madrid of his desire to leave this summer and join Barcelona’s sporting project.

The player’s agent also held a meeting with representatives of the Catalan club in recent days to discuss the details of the mutual interest between the two parties.

Doubts are growing over the Argentine forward’s future after he has previously avoided confirming his long-term stay with Atletico Madrid despite a contract extension until 2030.

He also did not close the door on a move to Barcelona when asked about his future in various media interviews throughout the season.

Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, are sticking to their legal and contractual position based on a long-term contract that binds the player to the club, in addition to a €500 million release clause, which gives the Rojiblancos management a clear advantage in deciding the player’s future.