Julian Alvarez has told Atletico Madrid he wants to leave, declaring that a transfer is “the best thing for everyone” as he pursues his dream — a bombshell that will ignite a European scramble for one of the world’s most sought-after strikers.
The 26-year-old Argentina international, currently at the World Cup after recovering from an ankle injury, broke his silence following Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. “I spoke with the people at Atlético Madrid, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream,” he said. “This isn’t the time to talk about this, but I can’t hide either; I try to be an honest person.”
“Julian Alvarez tells Atletico he wants to leave to 'fulfil my dream', with Barcelona his preferred destination.”
His public request comes weeks after Atletico rejected a staggering £130m (€150m) bid from rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona have already had an £86.4m proposal rebuffed, prompting a series of angry statements from the club, who insist Alvarez has a contract until 2030 and will not sell to a Spanish rival. Yet Alvarez’s preferred destination is clear: according to sources, he wants to join Barcelona and only Barcelona.
Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City for £81.5m in the summer of 2024 and has scored 49 goals in 106 games, including 10 in the Champions League last season to help Simeone’s side reach the semi-finals. But his relationship with manager Diego Simeone has deteriorated, and he is believed to be frustrated by the way he was treated after putting his body on the line in that semi-final defeat to Arsenal.
Despite Arsenal’s interest — the Premier League champions pushed hard and even held secret talks with Barcelona chief Deco in May — Alvarez’s camp made it clear he was desperate to join the Catalan club and would not consider rival offers. Paris St-Germain are ready to make a big financial commitment, but a move to France is currently viewed as unlikely.
For now, Alvarez remains focused on Argentina’s World Cup campaign, having come off the bench in their first two games. But his honest words have set the stage for a high-stakes transfer saga that pits Barcelona against an Atletico side determined not to lose their star man cheaply — or to another Spanish giant.