Lamine Yamal urges Barcelona to seal Julian Alvarez transfer

Lamine Yamal has gone public with his desire to see Barcelona complete the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez before the summer window slams shut. Barcelona are in the market for a new centre-forward after Robert Lewandowski’s contract expired and the club decided not to renew it. Alvarez has been identified as the top target, but prising him away from the Metropolitano is proving to be a massive challenge. Atletico Madrid have no intention of letting the Argentine go. They have even filed a formal complaint with FIFA over Barcelona’s persistent pursuit, given that Alvarez’s current deal runs until 2030. But the player has personally informed Atletico that he wants out before the September 1 deadline, and he is keen on a move to Camp Nou, despite Arsenal having shown interest earlier. Barcelona are expected to ramp up efforts to land Alvarez after he features for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, even though the price tag is rumored to be around €150 million. The club has already made Anthony Gordon its first summer signing and has agreed personal terms with Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, but the big-money addition they truly crave is Alvarez. Yamal, when asked by Mundo Deportivo about the speculation, did not hide his feelings. “Everyone knows he's a top player, the kind everyone wants to play with. I've already said it: we're open to welcoming him, and if he comes, we'll all be very happy. I think he's a great fit for Barca's style. I have no idea what the situation is, but I hope so.” Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 appearances for Atletico last season, including 10 in the Champions League. Chelsea’s Joao Pedro had been heavily linked with Barcelona after the 2025-26 campaign, but those rumours have cooled, and the Brazilian is now expected to stay at Stamford Bridge.