Flick refuses to give up on Alvarez

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly asked his club to make one last effort to land Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, refusing to let a long-running summer saga fizzle out without a final attempt.

According to Catalan outlet Jijantes, "Flick has asked Barça not to give up on Julián" just yet and "has requested one last push to try to sign" the Argentina international. The German coach's intervention comes despite Atletico's repeated insistence that the striker is not for sale.

Alvarez has told Simeone he wants out

The Catalans have been linked with Alvarez all summer, but Atletico have remained firm that he will stay with the club. Reports suggest the striker, back in Madrid this week after his exploits at the World Cup, has told manager Diego Simeone that he wants to leave for Barcelona.

Alvarez is now expected to hold a meeting with Atletico chief Gil Marin next week to discuss his future. Marin has previously spoken bluntly about the saga, accusing Barcelona of "disrespecting his club" and insisting he has no intention of selling the forward.

Timing is running out

With the transfer window ticking down, Barcelona need a resolution to this seemingly endless saga. The urgency is heightened by the expected departures of Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski this summer, which would leave Flick short of attacking options unless a marquee signing such as Alvarez can be secured.

Whether Gil Marin's stance softens, or Barcelona can finally force a breakthrough, the next week looks set to be decisive in determining where the World Cup winner will be plying his trade this season.