FC Barcelona's pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has entered a critical phase, with the Catalan club's ultimatum period now open and no agreement in sight.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta previously stated that the offer for the Argentine international is not open-ended.
>>> Real Madrid Open to Selling Tchouameni to Manchester United
"We have made an offer, but this offer is not unlimited in time," Laporta said.
During a visit to New York to support the Spanish national team in the World Cup final stages, Laporta specified the deadline.
"The deadline for the offer is between the last week of July and the first week of August," he added.
Atletico's Firm Stance
Atletico Madrid chief executive Gil Marin responded directly to Laporta's remarks, maintaining an unyielding stance.
"I simply heard some statements from the president, saying that his offer wasn't open-ended.
>>> West Ham Targets Sorba Thomas to Fill Summerville Void
And our response is that our response is indeed open-ended; we don't want to transfer him," Gil Marin said.
He affirmed that no monetary compensation would persuade the club to alter its decision.
"We didn't accept the €100 million offer, nor will we accept one of €150 million or €200 million," Gil Marin added.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is seeking rapid resolution on squad composition ahead of the upcoming season, preferring clarity over prolonged negotiations.
>>> US Senator Padilla Reintroduces Green Card Bill for Long-Term Immigrants
The club reportedly maintains an alternative strategy should the pursuit fail, with sources indicating only a public statement from Alvarez desiring an exit could change the current impasse.
