Julián Alvarez has reportedly turned down a new Atletico Madrid deal, and Barcelona are the preferred destination if he does leave. The player has also been linked with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, but the picture is still open. Atletico’s line is firm, with reports that they will only entertain offers above €150m.

Why Barcelona are in front

The sporting case points towards Barcelona more than Atletico’s contract pitch does. Alvarez reportedly rejected an offer that would have made him the highest-paid player in Diego Simeone’s squad on €10 million per season, while his current deal runs until 2030 and includes a €500m release clause.

The output is hard to ignore. One source in the brief says he scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26, and another highlights 10 Champions League goals plus a 7.53 Champions League rating. That is the sort of season that puts a player on the list for bigger clubs, not one that makes the asking price easy to swallow.

Barcelona’s own position matters here. The brief says they are prepared to spend no more than €100m on a new striker, which sits well below Atletico’s reported stance. Simeone, for his part, has not tried to close the door.

Simeone is leaving the choice to Alvarez

Simeone has repeatedly pushed the future back onto the player. Speaking to goal.com, he said: “Julian's future? It's a question for him, I imagine he'll have his decision made.” On SI, he was even more direct: “That's not a question for me, it's a question for Julián. He's old enough to know what he's going to do, and I imagine he's probably already made up his mind.”

That stance keeps the story alive. It also suggests Atletico are dealing with a decision they do not fully control, even if they would prefer to keep hold of a player who has delivered 20 goals in 49 appearances and finished the season strongly in Europe.

Paul Merson has already put Arsenal into the conversation, saying: “I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez. I'm a big fan. If they could get him I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.” The English interest is real enough, and PSG are still there too, but Barcelona remain the most natural fit if the money can be worked out.

The problem is obvious. Atletico want €150m, Barcelona are said to want to stop at €100m, and Alvarez’s own next step is still not public. If the player’s preference does not change, this feels like a race Barcelona are leading without yet being able to pay for.

FAQ

Will Julian Alvarez leave Atletico Madrid this summer?

The brief says the story is unresolved. Alvarez has reportedly turned down a new Atletico deal, Simeone has pushed the decision back to the player, and Barcelona are the preferred destination, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain still in the mix.

Why is Barcelona the preferred destination for Julian Alvarez?

Barcelona are described as Alvarez’s preferred destination, and their first-place La Liga finish strengthens the sporting case. Atletico are also reported to want more than €150m, while Barcelona are said to want to cap a striker purchase at €100m.

How many goals has Julian Alvarez scored this season?

One source in the brief says Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26. The brief also notes 10 Champions League goals and a 7.53 Champions League rating.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 8 outlets. How we work →