JAKARTA - Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is a target for Barcelona. However, Alvarez stated that he only wanted to focus on Atletico Madrid, who are still competing with Barca, Real Madrid and Villarreal in the Spanish LaLiga.
Barca is busy looking for a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski. With a contract that will expire in 2026, Barca does not seem to renew Lewandowski's contract.
On the contrary, Barca is actually hunting for a striker who will be the successor to the 37-year-old striker. Alvarez is the main candidate targeted by Barca.
Moreover, club president Joan Laporta has shown interest in the Argentina national team striker. The agent also stated that Alvarez was open to changing clubs.
Only this former Manchester City striker has stated that he wants to focus on the club he is currently strengthening. Alvarez admitted that he was never influenced by rumors about Barca's plans to recruit him.
"Look, it doesn't bother me at all. Besides, I don't pay attention even though I know what the discussion is. Everything is on social media. But what comes up in the news is actually excessive when compared to the reality that exists," said Alvarez.
"I am completely focused on the competition this season. All I have in my head is Atletico Madrid. And I only think about how to continue to grow as a player and try to win games," he said.
Alvarez still aspires to bring Atletico to the trophy in the Spanish League. Since joining in 2024 with a record-breaking transfer for the club's purchase, Alvarez has never won a trophy.
This season, Atletico is still stuck in fourth place with 31 points. They are nine points behind Barca who are at the top of the table.
Barca themselves have been eyeing Alvarez for quite some time. Even though they have Ferran Torres who can replace Lewandowski, the Blaugrana are still looking for a forward.
There is a rumor that Barca wants to include Marcus Rashford as part of the purchase of Alvarez. Currently, Rashford is still a loan player from Manchester United.
However, Barca intends to take advantage of the option to buy him permanently for a price of 26 million pounds. Moreover, the England national team winger showed a satisfactory performance at Barca. He has bagged six goals and made 11 assists during 21 appearances with Barca.
The player was not expected because Barca was more interested in Luis Diaz or Nico Williams. After failing to get one of them, Barca brought Rasford from Old Trafford who is now appreciated by coach Hansi Flick. If more consistent, the club will immediately give a permanent contract.
Only Barca had other plans. The club bought Rashford to then be included as part of the purchase of Alvarez.
The reason is that Atletico set a price of 120 million euros if anyone is interested in Alvarez. If Rashford's price is 50 million euros, this means Barca only needs to spend 70 million euros to bring Alvarez.
Why Rashford? Coach Diego Simeone is reportedly not averse to having the player as part of the Alvarez transfer deal.
Simeone likes Rashford's character and style of play, especially his speed and ability when penetrating into the penalty area.
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