Barcelona president Joan Laporta has delivered a firm warning to Atletico Madrid over the club’s chase for Julian Alvarez, making it clear that the Catalan giants will not be pushed into accepting any deadline pressure. The Blaugrana have marked the Argentina international as a priority signing as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the new season.

Laporta sets the pace for Alvarez deal

Speaking from the United States ahead of the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France, Laporta was quick to explain Barcelona’s position in the ongoing talks for Alvarez. While the club’s interest in the former Manchester City forward is real, Laporta stressed that the offer currently on the table will not stay available forever.

“We’re not going to dance to anyone’s tune. We set the pace here. We’ve made an offer, but it’s not an open-ended offer, it’s not an unlimited offer. We’ll see how long it remains valid. We’ve already expressed our intention to sign the player the coach and the technical staff have requested. We like him a lot and I think he’s a fantastic player,” Laporta told reporters.

Setting things straight with Atletico Madrid

The relationship between Barcelona and Atletico has often been complicated, especially when it comes to big-name transfers. Laporta addressed the possibility of tension between the two Spanish giants, saying he had personally taken steps to ensure that the Metropolitano hierarchy understood their proposal properly.

“I understand we have a very good relationship with them. There was some confusion regarding the offer we made, and I clarified it. We haven’t put any more pressure on them. I simply stated that, from the moment they have an alternative, this offer remains valid. And that’s where it ended. It hasn’t progressed any further, for the time being,” the president added.

Why Barca want Alvarez

Alvarez’s reputation has grown even further after his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he recently struck a brilliant winner for Argentina against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

The 26-year-old scored 20 goals in all competitions for Atletico last season, and his sharp finishing along with his tactical flexibility have made him the top choice for Barcelona’s technical department as they try to reshape their attack.

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What comes next?

Barcelona are reportedly facing strong competition for Alvarez from Arsenal, who are said to be planning to hijack the move before they begin their pre-season campaign. However, it is understood that Alvarez would prefer to continue his career in Spain.

For now, his attention remains fully on the World Cup, with Argentina currently preparing to meet England in a high-profile semi-final on Wednesday.