Julian Alvarez told to join PSG over Barcelona

Julian Alvarez in training for Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has been advised to seek a summer move to PSG.

The Argentina international has been heavily linked with a summer exit from the Spanish capital after Atletico failed to win a trophy for the second season in a row.

The 26-year-old has played a vital role in Diego Simeone's team since his 2024 move from Manchester City with 49 goals in 106 appearances across two campaigns with Los Rojblancos.

His current deal at the Estadio Metropolitano runs until 2030 and Atletico launched a cheeky social media response to their rumoured 'negotiations' with Barcelona over a possible deal after the FIFA World Cup.

The Catalan giants have already brought in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United as part of an €80 million (369m) agreement and they remain open to retaining Marcus Rashford permanently following his impressive loan spell last season.

A move for Alvarez would cost in excess of €100m (386m), a slight increase on what Atletico paid to bring him to Madrid two years ago, and due to Barcelona's stretched finances that could be outside Hansi Flick's current budget.

The sense of Alvarez needing to move on if he wants to win major honours is clear, and renowned Spanish football agent and journalist Antonio Sanz has backed him to join PSG over a controversial switch to Barca.

"While he hasn’t been amazing this season, he hasn’t been bad. He scored 19 goals, I think he’s done quite well, and probably many of us expected more from him, but I he’s a key player that Atletico shouldn’t lose," he told Radio Marca.

"The situation reminds me of Sergio Aguero. He wanted to go to Real Madrid, there was a deal in place, but he ended up at City.

"I wouldn't sell him for less than €130m (3112m). I think Julian is fighting to go to Barca, ​​but I think he'll end up at Paris Saint-Germain."

No decision on Alvarez's future is expected until after the World Cup and his future could also hinge on Simeone's own possible exit.