Why Barcelona Face A Much Tougher Battle To Land Julian Alvarez Than They Did With Anthony Gordon

On the surface, Barcelona's pursuit of both Anthony Gordon and Julián Alvarez appears strikingly alike.

Both are highly sought-after attackers with several wealthy clubs competing for their signatures, requiring substantial funds to cover transfer fees and wages. Barcelona already demonstrated their financial power by agreeing a deal for Gordon valued at $93 million (€80 million) and have now shifted focus toward Alvarez.

According to Fabrizio Romano, an opening offer worth a staggering $116 million (€100 million) has been tabled. The proposal contains no add-ons and no player exchanges — simply straight cash.

There is one key distinction between the two situations, however. While Newcastle were willing to do business after failing to qualify for the Champions League, Atlético have taken a firmly opposing position.

Atlético 'Not Happy' About Barcelona Interest

That €100 million figure has long been considered Atlético's ideal asking price, yet the money may no longer be the primary concern.

Confirmation of Barcelona's offer came alongside reports that Atlético are "not happy" with how things have unfolded, echoing multiple Spanish reports highlighting Los Rojiblancos' growing frustration toward the La Liga champions.

Just hours before the bid was lodged, AS cited a club insider as stating that Alvarez is "not for sale," with the tone growing increasingly combative beyond that.

"Fed up with months and months of lies, half-truths and fabricated stories like house purchases in Barcelona or absurd questions posed to our players," the unnamed source went on to say.

"Barcelona is behaving like a small team in this whole Julián affair."

Atlético are not thought to be under any financial pressure to offload Alvarez this summer and, with four years still left on his deal, face no urgency. What could ultimately prove decisive, though, is the player's own wishes.

Alvarez 'Asks to Leave' Atlético Madrid

Atlético's firm stance could be softened by Alvarez's official request to depart the club this summer.

Alvarez joined Madrid from Manchester City just two seasons ago in a transfer worth approximately €95 million but, following a brilliant first campaign, experienced a difficult 2025–26 season. The Argentine managed just eight La Liga goals in 29 appearances, yet surpassed that tally in the Champions League in 700 fewer minutes.

Reports indicate that internal tensions have affected Alvarez's performances, including claims of broken promises regarding a new contract, and serious interest from Barcelona and other elite clubs has persuaded the forward to seek a move away.

Should Atlético agree to sell, they are expected to drive a hard bargain against one of their fiercest rivals. The fee that might satisfy the likes of Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain could fall well short of what Atlético would demand from La Liga rivals Barcelona, whose recent behavior appears to have only deepened the animosity with Los Rojiblancos.