Julián Alvarez is reportedly prioritising a move to Barcelona over Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, and is said to be reluctant to return to the Premier League after his time at Manchester City, identifying Camp Nou as the ideal environment for the next step in his career.
Barcelona have identified Alvarez and Alessandro Bastoni as their two primary targets for the summer window, and a report in Mundo Deportivo said both players are eager to join. The club has set a cap of €100 million for Alvarez. Alvarez remains under contract at Atletico Madrid until 2030, though he has left the door open for a departure after a string of suggestive interviews about his future.
Bastoni has reportedly told Inter Milan that he would only leave for Barcelona and is prepared to help facilitate a move by negotiating a lower exit fee. Inter were expected to demand between €70 million and €80 million for the defender — figures that now sit alongside Barcelona’s internal ceiling for Alvarez as the club evaluates how to structure a summer bid for two major targets.
FC Barcelona held a training session on Monday, with two days left before LaLiga resumes against Celta at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, 23 April 2026 at 9.30pm CEST. Bernal remained sidelined and was a serious doubt for the Celta match after a left ankle sprain, and Barça Atlètic defender Pacifico suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and is expected to be out for 8-9 months. Club officials say they will wait until they mathematically secure the LaLiga title before triggering formal talks for Alvarez.
The transfer calculus is a study in timing and leverage. Atletico Madrid remained focused on their Champions League semi-final commitments, which reduces the immediate window for negotiations over a player contracted until 2030. Alvarez has publicly left room for a move, but Barcelona’s decision to hold off on formal approaches until a title is assured compresses the time available to complete deals before other clubs can intervene.
Phillip Cocu added, "Frenkie de Jong’s influence is key," a reminder inside Barca that any arrivals must fit into a squad plan the coaching staff endorses. The broader picture is simple: Alvarez’s preference for Camp Nou and Bastoni’s readiness to accept Barcelona as his sole next destination give Fc B momentum. The hurdle is procedural and financial — a €100 million top offer and the need to navigate contracts with Atletico and Inter.
If Barcelona trigger formal talks after clinching LaLiga, they will test whether that €100 million ceiling and Bastoni’s personal willingness are sufficient to pry Alvarez and a top defender from two clubs that can demand high fees and are occupied with major competitive commitments. For Alvarez, the decision he has signalled will not only shape his next season but could reshape Barcelona’s summer window.
