Julián Álvarez still torn between Atlético Madrid and his Barcelona dream

The Julián Álvarez saga shows no signs of cooling down, and each week brings a fresh twist. What had been simmering tension between the Argentine forward and Atlético Madrid has now boiled over into open conflict, following the hostile atmosphere he faced at the Riyadh Metropolitano, where a large section of the home crowd jeered him before, during and after the match. The sight of the player walking alone down the tunnel afterwards, on the club's own advice, says a lot about how far the relationship has soured.

• Atlético Madrid refuses to negotiate a Julián Álvarez transfer to FC Barcelona.
• The striker sees himself exclusively in Barcelona colours, even though his club will only sanction a move to Arsenal.
• Álvarez liked a social media video showing him digitally dressed in Barça's shirt, seen as another hint at his true intentions.
• The player's frustration reportedly stems from a broken promise made in February, when he was told he could leave freely if a suitable offer arrived.
• Barcelona, guided by Hansi Flick and Deco, are prepared to wait until the market closes before exploring other striker options.

What Atlético Madrid risks in this transfer standoff

The Rojiblancos face an uncomfortable dilemma. Club president Enrique Cerezo, CEO Miguel Ángel Gil, and head coach Diego Simeone all appear aligned in refusing to let Álvarez join a direct LaLiga rival. Yet keeping an unhappy player whose mind is set on another project carries its own risks, both financially and on the pitch, if no exit materialises before the transfer window shuts.

There's a double concern inside the club: missing out on a significant transfer fee if the market closes with no movement, and having to manage a disillusioned striker who may not deliver the performances expected of him if he stays against his will.

Why Julián Álvarez only wants to join Barcelona

The Argentine's stance appears unshakable: Barcelona is his only priority, and he is not entertaining any other destination, even though Atlético are only willing to let him leave for the Premier League. This firmness reportedly traces back to a commitment made to him months ago, when he was told he'd be free to leave at season's end provided a fitting offer arrived for his services.

His like on a social media post showing him wearing Barça's shirt and pulling off his trademark Spider-Man goal celebration - a gesture dating back to his River Plate days - has been read as a subtle but clear signal of where his heart truly lies, without needing to say a word publicly.

Barcelona's approach to signing Julián Álvarez

On the other side of the deal, Barcelona are watching the situation closely. The Catalan club, which has already strengthened its squad with title ambitions in mind, sees Julián Álvarez as the ideal fit for what both Hansi Flick and Deco are looking for: a clinical number nine with mobility and proven experience on Europe's biggest stages.

Barça are well aware of the lengths the striker is going to in order to force a move and are ready to wait until the very last moment before considering other attacking targets. Should no available alternative surpass what the squad already has, the club would rather rely on its existing options than sign a lesser fit.

How the rift between Julián Álvarez and Atlético began

This tension didn't appear overnight, but it has clearly escalated in recent weeks. Ever since Barcelona's interest in the striker became public, the relationship between the dressing room, the fanbase and the player himself has steadily worsened, culminating in the jeers at the Riyadh Metropolitano - a moment many now view as the point of no return in this uneasy coexistence.