Julian Alvarez transfer deadline date ‘set’ with Arsenal and Barcelona ‘keen on move for Argentina star after World Cup’

THE Julian Alvarez transfer saga could be done and dusted by the end of the month. Barcelona are in heavy pursuit of the Atletico Madrid star despite their La Liga rivals insisting he will not leave the club. Julian Alvarez has a World Cup final to play before his future really gets discussed Credit: Getty Mikel Arteta has waited patiently in the background while the saga has unfolded Credit: Getty Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin said: “My opinion is clear, the club’s will is clear, we have made it clear to the player, the agent, the president of Barca. “We do not want to transfer him, we do not accept the offer of 100million euros nor will we accept one of 150 or 200.” Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! Alvarez reportedly wants a move to the Spanish champions, but tensions between Barcelona and Atletico have played out over social media since the pursuit became public. Arsenal are a distant second in the race, but reports have suggested that if Alvarez was to move, Atletico would prefer to sell him to a team outside of Spain. And Barca are starting to accept that they won’t be able to sign the striker unless he makes a firm stand against the board. Alvarez has already stated Barcelona would be a dream move for him and he thinks it’s best for all parties to make it happen. But Barcelona believe the Argentine needs to take a firmer stance – perhaps similar to Alexander Isak last summer – if the move is to materialise. And they have now set a deadline of July 31 for the move to happen. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Julian Alvarez is believed to have told Atletico that he would like to join Barcelona Credit: AFP President Joan Laporta has insisted while they do want Alvarez, they are prepared to walk away if they have to. He said: “We have made a very significant offer; if they are willing to accept it, fantastic, but it won’t be unlimited. We have to make a decision. Whether we maintain the offer or not depends on how these last two weeks of July unfold. “The player has spoken out, and that’s why the issue is still open. It’s clear that the player wants a change of scenery, and we are prepared to welcome him. We’ll see how it all unfolds. “Deco is doing a great job. He’s brought in [Karim] Adeyemi, whom we’ll sign next week . He’s working very efficiently and discreetly, as it should be done. “Obviously, if the Julian deal falls through, we have alternatives.” If there is no progress, Barcelona will turn their attentions elsewhere with plenty of money at their disposal. According to Atletico president Enrique Cerezo, that’s exactly what they will have to do. He said: “Joan Laporta is a good friend, he’s a great president, and he knows very well, as do all of you, where Julian Alvarez will be playing next year.” Comment now