Barcelona are still giving their all to try to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer transfer window.

After a few weeks of the club looking at alternatives in vain, Barça have returned to the Alvarez file, pushing to hold fresh talks in recent days.

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Since the start of the summer, Los Colchoneros have maintained a stubborn stance that the 26-year-old is not for sale.

Sporting director Deco has travelled to Madrid in recent days to hold talks with the player’s camp and strategise how to move forward with the negotiations.

Atletico’s message remains the same

According to Mundo Deportivo, despite the Catalan club’s push in recent days, Atletico have reaffirmed that the Argentine striker is simply not for sale.

The report says club officials continue to stand by the message CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin delivered last month, insisting there is no price that would convince them to sell the World Cup winner.

Atletico Madrid remain unmoved. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

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It adds that the Madrid-based club’s internal position has “not moved one bit” in recent days.

One of the clearest indications of Atletico’s confidence is their activity in the transfer market.

The club recently rejected the opportunity to sign Victor Osimhen for around €75 million because they already consider the centre-forward position occupied by Alvarez.

The Argentine has also begun the personalised pre-season programme prepared by Atletico for players returning later after the FIFA World Cup.

Barcelona continue working behind the scenes

Barcelona are continuing to work behind the scenes to make a move should Atletico change their stance at some point.

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The Catalan club still do not have a striker in the squad who has taken over the vacant number nine jersey from Robert Lewandowski.

10 August could prove to be a pivotal date in this transfer saga. Alvarez is expected to return to Atletico training on that date.

Barcelona refuse to give up. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

From a Barça perspective, if the 26-year-old does not turn up for training on that date, it could massively boost the club’s chances.

Barcelona are also dealing with an issue of their own, with the only other striker in the squad, Ferran Torres, linked with a move to PSG.

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The Spaniard is in the final 12 months of his contract at the Catalan club and has made it clear that his future remains open, as things stand.

Deco has a lot of work in the upcoming weeks as he looks to navigate a tricky period in the transfer window.

Hansi Flick’s first-team squad ahead of the new season is slowly taking shape, and it remains to be seen how many incomings and outgoings happen between now and the end of the window.