Report: Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez nearing move to Barcelona

Spanish newspaper Sport claim Alvarez is "moving closer" to joining Barcelona so he can fulfil his ambitions of winning trophies at the highest level. The Argentina striker is said to be "frustrated" with Atleti's lack of progress this season, particularly after they spent over 175million euros on new signings prior to the start of the season.

The embarrassing 4-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday looks set to be the final straw, with the report adding that Alvarez left ‘dejected' after the game and eyeing an exit.

Sport add that Alvarez's camp are already preparing for transfer talks as they seek to get their client the best possible move, with Barca currently frontrunners.

The goalscorer has a 500m euros  release clause in his contract but Atleti are willing to sell to Barca for 200m euros, even though the two clubs are fierce domestic rivals.

However, the report does note that Barca will need that price tag to drop before they can afford to make Alvarez Robert Lewandowski's successor.

Hansi Flick's side are still operating under financial constraints, as detailed in our explainer on the 1:1 rule.

It emerged on September 30 that Barca have made Alvarez their No 1 striker target, even ahead of Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Transfer correspondent Dean Jones stated on October 2 that 25-year-old Alvarez could have his "head turned" if an elite club launches a bid, though he did add that nothing was advanced at that stage.

Haaland would be the better addition to Flick's forward line, as he is the best striker in the world and has all the attributes to compete with Real Madrid ace Kylian Mbappe. But Haaland is happy at City and has a whopping nine years left on his contract, making Alvarez the next best option.

Sport have previously suggested Alvarez would love to join Barca so he could emulate his compatriot and idol Lionel Messi.