Barcelona are not giving up on signing Arsenal target Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid and could raise their offer after the World Cup.
Chairman Joan Laporta said the current bid was just over £100 million. However, Spanish sources say this figure could rise to more than 110 million pounds (130 million euros) with bonuses added.
The club are yet to decide whether to increase their offer or not – but it is expected that a new Barca bid will still not be well-received by Atlético.
With relations between the clubs at an all-time low amid public spat on social media, Atlético are almost certain to continue their stance of refusing to sell him.
Real Madrid announced last month that Atletico had rejected a £130m (€150m) bid for Alvarez.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Gary Cotterill has revealed the possibility of a ‘joke’ behind Real Madrid’s ‘cheeky’ €150 million bid last month.
Barca president Joan Laporta believes Atletico’s position is due to a lack of an identified successor, while Atletico CEO Miguel Gil Marin has accused Barca of “disrespecting us”.
“I spoke to Gil Marin, he said there are no plans to let him go, but the offer is firm and we support it,” Laporta said.
“It’s still on the negotiating table and the deal could still go ahead, but the offer is not unlimited. Atlético turned it down because they don’t have a replacement. If they get one, we’ll see.”
Alvarez’s stunning goal against Switzerland sent Argentina through to the World Cup semifinals.
Alvarez is scheduled to go on vacation after the World Cup season with Argentina ends.
He will then return to Atlético’s pre-season training and discussions will almost certainly take place with the club’s hierarchy about his future.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Diego Simeone has admitted that last season’s Champions League rivals Arsenal are interested in Alvarez.
Sky Sports News Alvarez has already revealed that it is his dream to move to Barcelona and his family wants to continue living in Spain.
This is one of the key hurdles Arsenal and PSG, who are also interested, will have to overcome if they are to lure the forward instead.
Privately, Atletico are understood to be more open to the idea of selling Alvarez to Arsenal or PSG if he demands to leave the Metropolitano for any club.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped when asked about Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez.
But at present he and his family do not want to go to England or France, Sky Sports News I understand.
This means that as things stand, Alvarez looks more likely to remain at Atletico unless he or the club are willing to make concessions.
Either Álvarez and his family pursue a move abroad, or Atletico abandon Barcelona’s outright ban.
