Barcelona are refusing to be pushed into a panic signing at centre-forward, but their long chase for Julian Alvarez still has a pulse.

According to Barca Universal, Hansi Flick’s side continue to view the Argentina international as their priority No. 9, with the club prepared to stand pat rather than pivot to a lesser alternative.

The window in which they can act is narrowing. Alvarez has been told to report back to Atletico for pre-season on 10 August, giving Barcelona roughly a week of clear runway before he is back inside Diego Simeone’s dressing room.

Atletico’s escalating no

Atletico have said no, publicly and repeatedly. CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin dismissed Barcelona’s approach with a rising figure.

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“We didn’t accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million,” Gil Marin said.

Alvarez is contracted to Atletico until 2030 and protected by a release clause that makes any unilateral exit financially unrealistic for Barcelona.

Laporta’s offer comes with a clock

President Joan Laporta has framed the €100 million bid as a live but time-limited proposition.

“We have made an offer, but this offer is not unlimited in time,” Laporta said, placing the deadline between the last week of July and the first week of August.

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Alvarez keeps pushing from his end

Alvarez used the World Cup to signal his preference publicly.

“I spoke with the club officials I needed to speak with. I believe a transfer is the best thing for everyone, and I want to fulfil my dream,” Alvarez said.

Barcelona had wanted the deal wrapped before 1 August. That internal deadline passed without agreement, and the club is now waiting on the player to make another public gesture that might crack the impasse.

No scramble if the move dies

If Alvarez stays put in the Metropolitano, Barcelona’s messaging is that they will not scramble for a substitute.

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Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been mentioned as an alternative at a reported €75 million asking price, but Barca Universal reports Flick is willing to open the season without a new arrival at centre-forward, leaning on false-nine solutions already in the squad.

The only scenario that would force a rethink, according to the report, is a late departure by Ferran Torres.

The 10 August reporting date is the next hard marker. If Alvarez turns up in Simeone’s dressing room without a fresh public push for the exit, Barcelona will open the new season without their priority No. 9.

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