Barcelona know where Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez will be playing next season, according to Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo.
Alvarez, currently preparing for the World Cup final against Spain with Argentina, is Barcelona's top target this summer, though the LaLiga champions are experiencing difficulties getting a deal over the line.
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Having already seen at least one bid rejected and Atletico’s refusal to sale to a direct rival, Barca have been told to trigger the €500million (£431m) release clause in Alvarez’s contract to bring him to the Camp Nou.
In the latest twist to the ongoing saga, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed a very significant offer has been made for the 24-year-old, but has warned they have alternatives in mind if an agreement cannot be struck in the final weeks of July.
“We have made a very significant offer; if they are willing to accept it, fantastic, but it won’t be unlimited. We have to make a decision. Whether we maintain the offer or not depends on how these last two weeks of July unfold,” Laporta told SER.
“The player has spoken out, and that’s why the issue is still open. It’s clear that the player wants a change of scenery, and we are prepared to welcome him. We’ll see how it all unfolds.
“Deco is doing a great job. He’s brought in Adeyemi, whom we’ll sign next week . He’s working very efficiently and discreetly, as it should be done.
“Obviously, if the Julian deal falls through, we have alternatives.”
This has prompted a quickfire response fro Cerezo, maintaining Atletico’s desire to keep hold of Alvarez.
He said: "Joan Laporta is a good friend, he’s a great president, and he knows very well, as do all of you, where Julian Alvarez will be playing next year.”
He knows very well, as do all of you, where Julian Alvarez will be playing next year
Enrique Cerezo
Arsenal's interest in Alvarez dates back over a year, with Mikel Arteta reportedly weighing up making a move for the World Cup winner once again if a move to Barcelona does not materialise.
That said, the Argentine has his heart set on a move to the Camp Nou, telling ESPN last month: "I don't think it's the right moment to talk, but I also don't want to hide. I try to be an honest person.
"I spoke with the people at [Atlético] who I needed to speak with. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream."
However, Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil has revealed Alvarez will NOT leave this summer, saying: "My position is clear, the club’s position is clear. We’ve made it known to the player, his representatives, and the president of Barcelona.
“I have absolutely no doubt that Atletico is the right place in the world for Julian, and that Julian is the perfect centre-forward for Atletico Madrid. We want to keep him”.
“I recently heard the president say that the offer he made to Atletico Madrid wasn’t unlimited. My only response is that our answer is unlimited.
“We do NOT want to transfer him. We didn’t accept an offer of €100 million, and we won’t accept one of €150 million or even €200 million."
