Joan Laporta didn't mince words. In a video posted directly to Barcelona's social media on Wednesday, the club president confirmed what the rumour mill has been churning on all summer: "We are very interested in buying Julian Alvarez. We would like our offer to be accepted."
That's not a softly-worded probe. That's a public declaration of intent — and it puts Atletico Madrid in an uncomfortable position, especially after reports emerged that they're now open to selling Alvarez to Arsenal.
The hypocrisy angle Laporta is playing
Laporta's statement was carefully constructed to cast Atletico as the party acting in bad faith. His argument: Barcelona approached Atletico, were told the player wasn't for sale, backed off — and then watched Atletico reportedly begin negotiations with Arsenal. "It is not motivated by actions taken by Barca," he said, pointedly addressing club president Enrique Cerezo by name.
Whether that framing holds up or not, it's smart politics. Barcelona filed no complaint. Atletico filed one against them in July with the RFEF over alleged improper pursuit. Now Laporta is flipping the narrative — and doing it in public.
Alvarez, 26, hasn't exactly been subtle either. He told ESPN during the World Cup he wanted out of the Metropolitano, and sources close to the situation say he's been firm all summer that Barcelona is his destination. Getting booed in Atletico's opening-day draw against Villarreal — before walking straight down the tunnel at full-time after a cameo off the bench — suggests the relationship is already broken beyond repair.
What this means for Barcelona's season
Hansi Flick's attacking options are thin. Robert Lewandowski left for the Chicago Fire, Ferran Torres signed for PSG, and the squad is light on proven goal-scorers. Alvarez — 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 Atletico appearances since arriving from Manchester City in 2024 — is exactly the clinical, mobile forward Flick needs to make his system work.
Without him, or a comparable alternative, Barcelona's title odds carry real risk. Dropping €100m on Alvarez would be a significant spend given their ongoing financial constraints, but going into a season short up front is arguably the worse gamble.
- Barcelona's reported offer: around €100m
- Real Madrid reportedly had a €150m bid rejected — Atletico questioned its sincerity
- Alvarez's contract runs until 2030
- RFEF investigation into Barcelona's conduct is ongoing
Arsenal remain in the picture, though it's unclear whether Alvarez would choose a return to England over the Camp Nou. The window closes soon. Laporta has made Barcelona's position public and unmistakable — the ball is entirely in Atletico's court now.
