Julian Alvarez plans talks with Diego Simeone over Barcelona move

Julian Alvarez believes a direct conversation with Atletico de Madrid manager Diego Simeone could be the key to ending the deadlock over a possible move to Barcelona.

The Argentina forward, 26, is reportedly preparing to ask Simeone to support his departure when he returns to Atletico’s training camp on Monday, 10 August, or possibly before then. Alvarez wants to explain personally why he believes leaving Madrid to join Barcelona is the right decision.

He is keen for the situation to be resolved amicably and is expected to say that he is “unhappy” in Madrid and wants to “be happy playing for Barcelona”.

Barcelona remain committed to signing Alvarez this summer, although the club could renew their attempt during the winter transfer window if a deal cannot be completed before the start of the season.

Atletico, however, continue to resist selling one of their most important players to a direct domestic and European rival. Sources within Barcelona have described the Spanish club’s position as “completely closed”.

Those sources told Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona have limited options while Atletico refuse to negotiate, adding: “Julian alone, through dialogue, can try to persuade them to open up.”

The task is not expected to be straightforward, particularly because Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin remains firmly opposed to allowing the striker to leave.

People close to Alvarez believe what has been described as the “Simeone route” offers the best chance of progress. The player intends to repeat the message he delivered during the World Cup period: “The move is the best option for everyone… I want to fulfil my dream.”

Alvarez made that position public on 23 June after Argentina’s match against Austria, saying: “I spoke to the club officials, and I think the move is the best option for everyone. I want to fulfil my dream.”

The comments were unusual from a player contracted to Atletico until 2030 and caused widespread international attention. They did not, however, go down well with the club’s senior officials.

According to the newspaper, Alvarez remains comfortable with the stance he has taken. Atletico had promised him in January that they would help if he requested a transfer, but he believes the club failed to honour that commitment when the time came. He also considers that he has said publicly only what he had already communicated privately to the board.

His current strategy is to tell Simeone directly that he no longer sees his future with Atletico and wants to leave. The Argentine manager would then have to decide whether to ignore his player’s wishes and keep him against his will, or take the matter to the club’s hierarchy in an attempt to resolve the dispute.

Barcelona sporting director Deco was recently in Madrid amid reports of a planned meeting with Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, with whom he has a strong relationship. Although the details of the visit have been kept private, Barcelona’s activity is seen as evidence of the seriousness of their interest.

If Alvarez succeeds in persuading Simeone, the solution could be relatively simple, provided Atletico abandon their veto on selling to Barcelona. As long as the Catalan club remain involved, offers from Paris St-Germain and Arsenal are not expected to attract the forward, who has identified Camp Nou as his only preferred destination.