Julian Alvarez: Barcelona star shares honest opinion on interest in World Cup winner

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has fuelled the speculations surrounding the Blaugrana’s interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, stating that the best players in the world belonged at Barcelona. 

The 26-year-old joined Rojiblancos in the summer of 2024 as a club record signing. However, Barcelona have nurtured an interest in Alvarez since he was at River Plate, and their admiration of him has not waned.

Barcelona’s presidential candidate and erstwhile president Joan Laporta is said to be a huge fan and is keen on landing the Argentine, despite Barcelona’s precarious financial situation.

Atlético Madrid have publicly reacted to the interest, with members of the club hierarchy swatting away the suggestions and firing back, saying that they are also interested in Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Araujo, who also joined European football from South America, was asked about Barcelona’s interest in Alvarez and he had the following to say: "He's a great player; for me, he's one of the best strikers in the world. You can see the quality he has."

"The best players belong at the best club, which is us. That's obvious. But it's not my job to do that or make that decision."

Julian himself has openly discussed Barcelona’s interest in him, and while he played it down, stating that he was focused on Atletico Madrid, he did not brush off the idea

"Do I plan on playing at Barcelona or at PSG? Honestly, I don’t know. I see what people say on social media. In Spain, people speak a lot about me and Barcelona. For now, I am focused on Atletico and we will review at the end of the season."