Barcelona remain committed to signing Julian Alvarez amid Atletico Madrid’s firm position that the Argentina international is not for sale. Public statements from Atletico’s President Enrique Cerezo and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin have failed to dampen the Catalan club’s optimism, as they believe a deal can still be reached.

Public statements from Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Angel Gil Marin have not altered the positive atmosphere at Barcelona, where confidence persists that negotiations can advance.

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Recent updates from Barcelona suggest the club anticipated negotiations would extend past Atletico’s initial rejection.

Instead of reacting to public comments, Barcelona is adhering to the timeline already outlined by president Joan Laporta, with critical developments expected following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.

Barcelona Sticks to Transfer Roadmap

Barcelona’s strategy has remained steady throughout the negotiations.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the club believes the best chance of completing a deal will come during the first team’s pre-season camp in England, coinciding with the return of several international players.

Barcelona are calm about Julian Alvarez transfer pursuit. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

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This schedule aligns with manager Hansi Flick’s expectations, as he aims for Alvarez to integrate into the squad promptly after the World Cup, enabling him to train with the team during the final phase of pre-season.

With Alvarez committed to his international duties until the conclusion of the World Cup, Barcelona has refrained from making further moves out of respect for the player.

Next week has been identified as a critical point when discussions are likely to intensify.

Club officials anticipate significant progress once Alvarez is available to focus on his club career, while Barcelona is proactively planning further steps despite Atletico Madrid’s firm public stance.

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Player’s Stance and High-level Talks Keep Barcelona Hopeful

Barcelona’s confidence relies on two main factors: the belief that Alvarez is eager to consider a move to the club after his international duties and the ongoing discreet discussions that are taking place.

Alvarez is not giving up on Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Although tensions between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were apparent before the World Cup, the negotiations have expanded beyond the two clubs. Barcelona has maintained open lines of communication with Atletico’s ownership group, Apollo investment fund, which has connections with Goldman Sachs, the financial entity that remains Barcelona’s principal creditor.

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These relationships are seen as key to the club’s long-term strategy.

Importantly, Barcelona continues to assess other attacking options while pursuing Alvarez, ensuring they are prepared if the deal does not materialize.