This move stems from coach Hansi Flick's proposal to the Barca board to acquire a new "number 9". The German tactician views Alvarez as an ideal candidate to partner with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, forming a new attacking trio for the club in the 2026-2027 season.

However, the current La Liga leader recognizes this will be a challenging transfer. Obstacles include a substantial transfer fee and Atletico's clear intention to retain the Argentina international.

The 26-year-old striker joined Atletico from Man City in 2024 for a fee that could exceed 111 million USD if performance-related add-ons are met. His current contract with the Madrid-based club runs until 2030, featuring a release clause valued at over 585 million USD. ESPN has revealed that Atletico is even prepared to offer Alvarez a new, improved contract extending until 2032, aiming to deter interest from other clubs.

Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid in 2024 for a fee that could exceed 111 million USD, if add-on clauses are met. Photo: Reuters

Beyond Atletico's stance, Barca's aspirations are immediately hampered by financial regulations. The Camp Nou club is currently at the limit of La Liga Financial Fair Play regulations, significantly restricting their transfer budget.

Nevertheless, the Catalan club expects to bring its financial situation under control this summer. They also believe that Alvarez's personal ambition, similar to Antoine Griezmann's move from Atletico to Barca in the past, involves a desire to win more titles. Therefore, if the player agrees to the move, the transfer could become feasible.

Barca President Joan Laporta will personally oversee negotiations with Atletico's Sports Director Mateu Alemany. Alemany previously held a similar role at Barca under Laporta before being succeeded by Deco.

Alvarez has long been on Barca's radar. The club's scouts had previously recommended signing the player nicknamed "La Arana" ("The Spider") when he was still playing for River Plate in Argentina, prior to his move to Man City. Barca's technical staff continues to closely monitor the striker's career and considers Alvarez a perfect replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires next June, and Ferran Torres, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Alvarez scored a free-kick in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Barca this season. This season, he has scored 19 goals and provided 9 assists across all competitions for Atletico. Photo: AFP

Earlier, ESPN reported that Barca would offer Lewandowski a new contract with a reduced salary, while also being open to transfer offers for Torres.

Marcus Rashford's future at Camp Nou also remains uncertain. The England international is currently on loan at Barca from Man Utd until the end of the 2025-2026 season. Although Barca holds a 35 million USD buy option, ESPN indicates the club is unlikely to afford this amount and will explore more economical alternatives. Jan Virgili (Real Mallorca) and Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis) are among the names being considered as replacements.

Hoang Thong (according to ESPN)