Julián Álvarez has sent shockwaves through the Metropolitano. Asked directly after Sunday's Madrid derby whether he could leave this summer, the Argentine gave the most non-committal answer possible: "What do I know? Maybe yes, maybe no, you never know. I'm very happy here."
Barcelona want him badly. Deco has identified him as the ideal long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires this summer. Argentine journalist Hugo Balassone has gone further, claiming Álvarez has "already made up his mind" and will join Barça after the World Cup.
The obstacles are enormous. Atlético have a firm internal position — they will not sell to a La Liga rival. Their asking price for any other club is at least €150m. Álvarez is contracted until 2030 with a €500m release clause. Barcelona's own president Laporta has called that "unreasonable."
Arsenal and Chelsea are also circling. If Álvarez does leave, Atlético would sooner deal with a Premier League club than hand a direct rival their best forward.
