Barcelona are reportedly lining up Lautaro Martinez as an alternative to Julian Alvarez, with the Catalan club still trying to replace Robert Lewandowski this summer. Atletico Madrid are apparently open to negotiating with Arsenal for the Argentina international.
Alvarez, 26, is believed to have his heart set on signing for Barcelona, despite his employers being unwilling to do business with them. Barcelona have yet to replace Lewandowski during this summer transfer window and face the prospect of starting the La Liga season with Raphinha as their sole central striker.
Barcelona's alternative target
El Chiringuito claim Barcelona's head coach, Hansi Flick, and sporting director, Deco, are extremely interested in securing Martinez. The latter is reported to have held discussions with their football co-ordinator, Bojan, and the Argentine's representative, Alejandro Camano, in Madrid last week.
The reporting suggests they have effectively already reached an agreement in principle with the player on personal terms. An initial proposal from Barcelona will apparently not exceed £86 million (€100m).
Inter's reluctance and Atletico's stance
Yet, like Atletico, Inter are reluctant to part with their striker, who also captains the Milanese outfit. Gazzetta dello Sport emphasises that they are not considering his exit.
Fans in Madrid are, meanwhile, making their displeasure towards Alvarez abundantly clear, with several banners appearing around the club's Sports City bearing the message "JULIAN OUT" alongside his shirt number 19 crossed out. Supporters voiced similar frustrations ahead of yesterday's La Liga curtain-raiser against Malaga.
A banner unveiled earlier in the week read: "Julian, thank you for the respect you are having for us, a**hole. Barca and your circle have deceived you like a capricious child. Our Atleti above all."
Alvarez's future in doubt
Alvarez was absent from the matchday squad at Metropolitano Stadium last night. He has not featured for Atletico at all since last season.
Mundo Deportivo report that they recognise the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable and are apparently willing to negotiate a deal for Alvarez. Gyokeres could step in as his replacement, with Diego Simeone understood to be receptive to the idea.
The former Manchester City striker has his sights firmly set on Barcelona and appears to have no desire to return to the Premier League. Atletico are equally reluctant to do business with their domestic rivals, leaving the impasse very much intact. Alvarez continues to train with the club, though whether he will pull on their shirt again remains very much in doubt.
