FC Barcelona moved decisively on Wednesday when sporting director Deco held a direct meeting with Julian Alvarez‘s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, accelerating what has become one of the club’s top transfer priorities heading into the summer window.
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Opening Bid Set at €90 Million Plus Bonuses
According to SPORT, Barcelona‘s opening proposal for the 26-year-old Atletico Madrid striker is expected to land at around €90 million plus bonuses. The figure aligns with prior reports indicating the Catalans had set a firm spending ceiling of €100 million for the position.
This will not be a straightforward negotiation. Atletico Madrid are reportedly demanding a high fee for the Argentina international, and competition is serious. PSG are said to be strongly determined to land Alvarez, while Arsenal continue to monitor the situation closely. The dynamic bears no resemblance to the recent Anthony Gordon operation in terms of speed or simplicity.
Flick Has Spoken Directly to Alvarez
Despite the layers of complexity, Barcelona believe genuine progress has been made in recent weeks, a point that featured in Wednesday’s meeting. The club communicated to Alvarez‘s representatives the importance of the player making a clear gesture signaling his preferred destination, giving Atletico Madrid an unambiguous read on his intentions amid pressure from rival clubs. Inside Barcelona, the belief is that this gesture has already been made.
Manager Hansi Flick has spoken with the Argentine forward on multiple occasions. Deco has maintained consistent contact with Alvarez‘s camp since before the start of 2026. That sustained dialogue signals this is not an opportunistic move but a structured, long-term pursuit embedded in the club’s sporting planning.
No one at the club is projecting premature confidence. The financial gap remains the primary obstacle, with Atletico Madrid showing no inclination to discount their asset. Barcelona are committed to pushing this deal to its conclusion. Follow TipsGG for continued coverage as negotiations develop.
Read also: Barcelona Close In on Anthony Gordon as First Summer Signing Agreement Nears