Barcelona’s deadline tightens as Laporta’s Alvarez offer narrows

FC Barcelona have moved to close the gap left by their departing striker by targeting Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with president Joan Laporta warning that the club’s offer will expire between the last week of July and the first week of August, a window that officially opened on 28 July.

Shortly after beginning his latest presidential term, Laporta made Barcelona’s stance unmistakable. He made the deadline comment while in New York, where he was supporting the Spanish national team during the final stages of the World Cup. He told reporters, “We have made an offer, but this offer is not unlimited in time.”

AS confirmed that 28 July marks the commencement of the period defined by Laporta, and the clock is already ticking for the club.

He later reiterated that the deadline falls between the last week of July and the first week of August and stressed that it could not be extended.

Atletico Madrid’s chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin responded that the club has rejected a €100 million proposal and will not accept offers of €150 million or €200 million for the Argentine forward.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has asked for a decision soon, saying he does not want to wait until the final day of the transfer window to know whether the striker will be available.

The Catalan side has also disclosed that it has prepared an alternative plan should the Alvarez deal collapse.

Sources close to the negotiations say only a public declaration from Julian Alvarez indicating a wish to leave Atletico could change the current stalemate.

With the 28 July window now open, uncertainty remains over one of Barcelona’s priority targets as the deadline approaches.