TyC Sports: Barcelona Unlikely to Sign Alvarez This Summer, Plans January Bid

According to Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, Barcelona believes signing Álvarez this summer is unlikely, but the club has decided to pursue him again in the January transfer window.

The prospect of Álvarez joining Barcelona this summer appears to have ended. At Tuesday's press conference, Diego Simeone stated that he had discussed the striker's future with Atlético Madrid and that he is building the team around the Argentine international.

However, the situation is not entirely closed for Barcelona. Spanish sources report that Álvarez may request to leave Atlético Madrid, speaking with CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. Barcelona hopes to resolve the matter quickly, using the remaining days of the transfer window to find a striker.

Barcelona's sporting director Deco and head coach Hans Flick both believe Álvarez is exactly the type of attacker they need, and the club was originally willing to pay €120 million for him.

According to The Athletic, Barcelona's plan is to pursue Álvarez again in the January transfer window, provided they do not find a suitable alternative before then.

Barcelona believes Álvarez's departure will be easier in the next transfer window, partly due to his relationship with Atlético Madrid's fans. During the World Cup, the Calchín native reportedly said: "A transfer is the best option for everyone. I want to achieve my dream."

Therefore, although it is unlikely Álvarez will leave Atlético in the short term, a departure before the year's end cannot be ruled out. His contract runs until mid-2030. While Simeone did not include him in the squad for the first La Liga match, he has made clear that Álvarez remains a key player this season.

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