Barcelona and Julian Alvarez's camp devise plan to force Atletico exit

Barcelona hasn't given up on signing Julian Alvarez and, according to a report from Marca, is now working with the Argentina forward's representatives to find a way through Atletico Madrid's resistance. Alvarez has long been Barcelona's preferred attacking target after Robert Lewandowski left as a free agent. Atletico, though, has shown no intention of making the deal simple. The Catalan club's opening offer of €100 million was publicly mocked by Atletico, which pointed to the €500 million release clause in Alvarez's contract. Real Madrid's public €150m bid has also been rejected. The player wants a new challenge and has made Barcelona his chosen destination. Senior figures at Atletico, however, have insisted publicly that he is going nowhere. According to Marca, Barcelona sporting director Deco has traveled to Madrid to hold talks with Alvarez's camp and "explore realistic possibilities" of making the former Manchester City forward part of the Blaugrana project. Part of the strategy is for Alvarez to state his desire to leave more openly. He is expected back in training on Aug. 10 after the World Cup. The urgency has grown for Barcelona as doubts over Ferran Torres' future persist, with PSG expected to make a push for the Spain international. Alvarez has already hinted he wants out. After Argentina's 2-0 World Cup win over Austria, he said: "Honestly, I don't know. I don't think this is the right time to talk, but I can't hide either. I try to be an honest person. I've spoken with the people at the club, with those I needed to speak to. I think a transfer is the best solution for everyone, and I want to fulfil my dream." If the move is to happen, Alvarez may need to be even more forceful. The striker's Estimated Transfer Value is €93.4m, but Atletico's hard line remains the biggest obstacle.