Barcelona’s transfer warning amid battle for $196million-rated World Cup star: ‘We’re not going to dance to anyone’s tune’

Barcelona president Joan Laporta warned LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid they will not be held to ransom in their pursuit of Argentina star Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez dropped a bombshell earlier in the World Cup when the Atletico forward revealed he had asked for a transfer amid links with LaLiga champions Barca.

Barca reportedly already agreed terms with Alvarez, who joined the Spanish club from Premier League giants Manchester City for around $154million AUD in 2024. Atletico are believed to have already rejected an offer as Diego Simeone’s side reportedly hold out for $196m AUD.

Laporta said Barca have made an offer for Alvarez but send a warning to his Spanish counterparts.

“We’re not going to dance to anyone’s tune,” Laporta told reporters. “We set the pace here.

“We’ve made an offer, but it’s not an open-ended offer, it’s not an unlimited offer. We’ll see how long it remains valid.

“We’ve already expressed our intention to sign the player the coach and the technical staff have requested. We like him a lot and I think he’s a fantastic player.”

Alvarez scored an incredible extra-time goal as Argentina outlasted 10-man Switzerland to reach the World Cup semi-finals.