'Deco made an offer' - Joan Laporta confirms Barcelona move for Julian Alvarez

Lewandowski completed his move to MLS side Chicago Fire earlier this week, leaving Barcelona looking for a new leading striker ahead of the upcoming season. Alvarez has emerged as the club's top target after months of transfer speculation.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Laporta revealed that sporting director Deco had already presented Atletico with a formal proposal for the Argentina international.

"Deco made an offer for a certain amount of money," Laporta said. "We know the player has wanted to come for some time, since he was at Manchester City."

Laporta admitted Atletico were reluctant to negotiate because they do not have a ready-made replacement for the 26-year-old forward.

"They said, in principle, they weren't planning to sell him because they didn't have an alternative," he explained. "The offer is firm and we'll keep it on the table until we consider otherwise suitable."

Despite reports suggesting Atletico could complain to FIFA over Barcelona's public interest in the player, Laporta insisted the relationship between the two clubs remains positive.

"We have good relations with Atletico on an institutional level," he said.

Alvarez has already hinted that he is ready for a new challenge. While on international duty with Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup last week, the striker said it would be "best for everyone" if he left Atletico.

The Madrid club have so far stood firm over their prized forward. In June, they rejected a bid worth 150 million euros from rivals Real Madrid, underlining how highly they value the World Cup winner.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 in a deal worth up to 85 million euros and has become one of the club's key attacking players.