Laporta: We are committed to signing Alvarez, hope for agreement with Atletico Madrid

Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, has reaffirmed the Catalan club's commitment to signing Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid during the current summer transfer window, stating that Barcelona's offer remains on the table.

Laporta spoke about Barcelona's stance on the transfer during statements to the club's official media, clarifying that the team's management made an offer he described as very important, especially since Hans Flick, the head coach, has a real interest in signing the Argentine striker.

Barcelona's president stated: "We made a very important offer, especially since our coach has a genuine interest in the player."

Joan Laporta stated that he confirmed Barcelona's desire to sign Julian Alvarez during a phone call with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the CEO of Atletico Madrid, adding: "I confirmed this offer over the phone in a personal call with Miguel Ángel Gil, to assure him that we want the player."

Barcelona's president indicated that Jil Marín informed him Atletico Madrid does not intend to sell Julian Alvarez, due to the club lacking a replacement for his departure. Laporta responded: "When you find a replacement, if that is during the summer transfer window, we are here."

Barcelona has decided to temporarily suspend negotiations, with Laporta stating: "I spoke with Deco and told him: Let's put this aside for now, as it seems they don't want to sell due to the absence of an alternative."

However, Barcelona later received information that Atletico Madrid is in talks with other clubs to explore the possibility of selling Julian Alvarez, which prompted the Catalan club to maintain their offer.

Laporta stated: "This information has led us to confirm that we are committed to the offer, and that we want them to sell to us, not to another club."

Barcelona's president confirmed that the club's stance has not changed, stating: "We have done nothing but confirm that Barcelona's offer remains on the table should they wish to sell."

Joan Laporta has revealed that Barcelona remains hopeful of signing Julián Álvarez, based on the information the club has regarding the player's desire to wear the Catalan team's jersey.

He stated: "It seems the player wants to come to Barcelona, and therefore we maintain our enthusiasm and desire, with full respect for Atletico Madrid, to sign the player."

Barcelona's president has stressed the club's complete respect for Atletico Madrid and its officials, confirming that the Catalan club handled the transfer correctly throughout all its stages.

Laporta added: "At Barcelona, we fully respect Atletico Madrid and its officials. We have been dealing with them for years and have personal appreciation for them. Barcelona has been responsible."

Barcelona's president concluded his statements by affirming the club's desire to reach an agreement with Atletico Madrid, saying: "We want to come to an understanding with Atletico Madrid, we maintain our offer and proposal to Atletico Madrid, and we hope there will be an understanding between the two clubs."