FC Barcelona's planning for the future involves a strategic operation that has been in the shadows for months: signing Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward is considered the ideal heir for the '9' position after Robert Lewandowski. However, a series of unexpected moves could alter that plan.
In the last few hours, it has come to light that the Atlético de Madrid player has received up to three top-level offers. The most concerning thing for Barça is that all of them are willing to close the deal this very summer.
El Chiringuito reveals the bomb
Journalist Matías Palacios, on the program El Chiringuito, has released the information that has set off alarms at Camp Nou. According to his sources, three world-class clubs have initiated contacts to sign Julián Álvarez. The meetings, he assures, will begin next week.
Two of those proposals come from the Premier League. Liverpool and Arsenal have already moved to learn the conditions of his transfer. There is a third strong player in the scene: Bayern Munich has also inquired about him.
Arsenal is the one exerting the most pressure at the moment. They want to get ahead of the rest and are proposing an offer higher than what Atlético paid. The English club sees Julián as a key piece to complete their attack.
Meanwhile, Bayern seeks to renew their offensive line after the departure of several key players. The Argentine fits their philosophy: young, competitive, and with international experience. Above all, available before his value increases even more.
Barça's plan doesn't move... for now
From FC Barcelona, they have replied calmly. Sources consulted by Madrid-Barcelona assure that there will be no change of plans. Julián Álvarez is the chosen one, yes, but he will not be signed until the summer of 2026.
Laporta wants to close his presidential cycle with a high-impact signing. Lewandowski's contract ends in 2026, and that would be the ideal time to bring in the Argentine. Everything is designed to be the great electoral card.
The pressure from the market is evident. Three major clubs are already ready to open negotiations with Atlético. If any offer convinces the Madrid club and the player, the departure could be finalized in a matter of weeks.
Barça trusts in the player's will. They know that wearing the blaugrana jersey is one of his dreams. But they also understand that soccer doesn't always allow waiting, especially when there is so much money on the table.
Julián Álvarez, at the center of the board
The Argentine forward has just completed a brilliant season with Atlético. He has scored goals, provided assists, and established himself as an undisputed starter. Additionally, he has reinforced his role as a reference in the Argentine national team.
All of this has boosted his market value. Clubs like Liverpool and Bayern don't usually wait if they believe they can close a strategic operation. That's why Barça could miss out on their target if they don't make a move in time.
Julián Álvarez's entourage is aware of the interest he has sparked. But they also value the option of waiting a year and signing for Barça. They see it as the ideal long-term destination, although now the alternatives are more tempting than ever.
The player will have to choose between fulfilling the blaugrana plan or making a new leap now. The summer will be long, and each week could bring a new twist. But at Barça, there is no room for more mistakes: if they want Julián, they might not be able to wait that long.