After raising many eyebrows with the Anthony Gordon acquisition, Barcelona are now hell-bent on signing Julian Alvarez, their next big target.
However, their relationship with Atletico Madrid has soured due to the aggressive pursuit of Alvarez, which has paved the way for other clubs to swoop in and potentially sign the Argentine.
One potential rival could be PSG. Luis Enrique’s side became back-to-back European champions, and the Parisian club’s ambitions do not stop there.
Their next mission, according to Diario SPORT, is to strengthen their attacking line this summer, and the name at the top of their list is Alvarez.
PSG enter the race for Alvarez
PSG are keen on Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez, Barcelona’s primary transfer target to replace Robert Lewandowski, is now facing a formal offer from PSG.
The French champions’ sporting management held a meeting with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, ahead of the final against Arsenal, conveying their serious intention to sign the Argentine.
PSG had requested that all formal negotiations be postponed until after the final to avoid any internal distractions during their title run-in.
That period of restraint is now over. A formal offer from PSG is expected imminently, with the club fully aware that Atletico Madrid’s demands exceed €100 million.
Barcelona still in the fight
All eyes on Alvarez’s future this summer. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Reports in recent days have suggested Alvarez has asked his club to negotiate exclusively with Barcelona, though the reality appears more complex.
Barcelona have indicated they intend to present a first formal offer shortly, with Deco and Flick both backing the move strongly.
The complication is that PSG, flush with Champions League success and financial power, represent a formidable rival.
Luis Enrique himself was an admirer of Alvarez during his time at Barcelona and pushed for his signing when the Argentine left Manchester City.
With PSG now entering the race formally and Arsenal also credited with interest, Barcelona face the very real prospect of losing their top target for a second consecutive summer.
