Julian Alvarez’s representative Fernando Hidalgo met with Barcelona transfer chief Deco to discuss a potential move away from Atletico Madrid this summer.
The meeting also saw Juanma Lopez in attendance, with reports in Spain suggesting Barcelona are expected to table an offer for the Argentina international soon.
Lopez could prove a key figure in negotiations, having spent a decade playing for Atletico before transitioning into a career as an agent.
Alvarez is claimed to have told Atletico Madrid that he is happy at the club following a season in which he recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances.
However, that declaration came with a significant caveat, as the forward reportedly expressed a desire to join Barcelona should the opportunity present itself.
Barcelona are looking to complete the deal before the World Cup kicks off in North America, with Alvarez’s services understood to cost around £87million.
The 26-year-old moved to Spain’s capital in an £81million deal from Manchester City in 2024, making him one of the more expensive transfers of that window.
Deco is also reportedly pushing to complete the signing of Anthony Gordon, another player linked with Arsenal, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone declined to be drawn into speculation but is said to prefer a swift resolution to avoid disruption to his pre-season preparations.
“That’s not a question for me, it’s a question for Julian,” Simeone said. “He’s old enough to know what he’s going to do, and I imagine he’ll have made up his mind by now.”
Ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, Alvarez himself was equally guarded when asked about his future amid ongoing speculation.
“I try not to pay too much attention to what they say, because the truth is that new things come up every week,” the forward said at the time.
He added that he cannot “come out to clarify or deny everything that comes up all the time,” suggesting the situation remains fluid heading into the summer window.
Arsenal hold an interest in Alvarez but will face a difficult task convincing him to return to the Premier League if Barcelona press ahead with their pursuit.
The Gunners are also said to have interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers as they look to strengthen following their Premier League title win.
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