Julian Alvarez tells Atletico Madrid he wants to leave in the summer transfer window

Julian Alvarez has told Atletico Madrid he wants to leave the club this summer, marking the first time the Argentine striker has formally communicated a desire to exit the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The 24-year-old made his stance clear during recent contract talks, during which he also rejected a new deal that had been on the table.

According to a report by ESPN, cited by Sport, Alvarez told Atletico bosses he would seek a move if an opportunity arose that represented an “important step” in his career. He has made clear that if Barcelona come calling, he would be keen for a deal to be reached between the two clubs.

Barcelona have long identified Alvarez as their primary striker target, and with Robert Lewandowski now confirmed to be leaving the Camp Nou, the Catalan club are ready to intensify their pursuit. Until now, Barcelona had been waiting for encouragement from either Atletico or the player himself — the latter has now arrived.

Alvarez would also be open to joining Paris Saint-Germain, who have shown strong interest in his services in recent weeks, though Barcelona remain his preferred destination.

Atletico’s position is complicated. The club had previously been unequivocal that Alvarez would not be sold this summer, to Barcelona or anyone else. But with the player himself now pushing for an exit, that stance may be difficult to maintain. Some within the club are reportedly open to letting him go if an acceptable offer arrives, reasoning that the funds raised could be reinvested to strengthen Diego Simeone’s squad more broadly.

Atletico still hold significant leverage. Alvarez is contracted at the Metropolitano until 2030, meaning they are under no financial pressure to sell and retain full control over any negotiation. Barcelona, for their part, are likely to view Alvarez’s public desire to leave as an opportunity to drive the asking price down.

The coming weeks will test whether Atletico prioritise squad harmony or hold firm on a valuation that reflects both the player’s quality and the length of his remaining contract.