Despite the swirling rumors and massive multi-million dollar offers on the table from across Europe, “La Araña” remains laser-focused on the international stage. [span_1](start_span)His camp has firmly established that a return to Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone post-tournament is highly unlikely[span_1](end_span). [span_2](start_span)In fact, Edul has expressed with complete confidence that it is almost impossible for Álvarez to stay at Atlético next season[span_2](end_span).
While Barcelona remains his ultimate dream destination, pulling off the deal will require extensive negotiations. [span_3](start_span)Atlético Madrid recently rejected a staggering $116 million bid from the Catalan giants, aggressively demanding a much higher fee for the forward they originally purchased for $109.5 million in 2024[span_3](end_span). [span_4](start_span)The Madrid outfit is reportedly pointing directly to his prohibitive €500 million release clause[span_4](end_span).
Complicating matters further for Joan Laporta and the Barcelona hierarchy is the persistent interest from Paris Saint-Germain. [span_5](start_span)The French champions are actively pursuing the Argentine and have reportedly informed his camp that they are fully prepared to meet Atlético’s steep financial demands without hesitation[span_5](end_span).
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However, Édul notes that Álvarez’s camp overwhelmingly prefers the Blaugrana sporting project over a move to the French capital, even if Barcelona’s financial offer is considerably lesser[span_6](end_span).