STATUS: REPORTED INTEREST — Barcelona are continuing their attempt to sign Julián Álvarez. President Joan Laporta said on 26 August 2026 that the Catalan club remain very interested and want their offer for the Atlético Madrid forward to be accepted.
Laporta's statement moves the development beyond an anonymous rumour: Barcelona's interest and the existence of an offer have been acknowledged publicly by the club president. It does not, however, establish an agreement on the fee, personal terms, a medical or the transfer itself.
Atlético have maintained the opposite position. The Madrid club's leadership insist that Álvarez is not for sale, while the Argentina international remains under contract until 2030. That leaves the process in an open clash between Barcelona's desire and Atlético's refusal.
Reuters reports that Laporta described Barcelona's approach as respectful towards Atlético Madrid. Without a documented change in the selling club's position, the offer cannot be called accepted and the transfer cannot be presented as close to completion.
The new development is Laporta's public confirmation of the interest and offer. What remains unconfirmed is whether Atlético will negotiate, the value of the package and whether Álvarez would reach personal terms with Barcelona.
