Julián ready to turn up the heat. Barça’s hopes still Flickering

According to “Sport”, Julián Álvarez has told Deco that he is ready to take another step towards a transfer. The Argentine intends to hold firm talks with Atlético once he returns to the club. Barcelona supporters have therefore received another carefully measured dose of hope — just enough to last until the next report.

There will be no strike or late arrival. Álvarez is expected to report for training on 10 August before trying to convince Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Mateu Alemany to consider negotiations. It will be a remarkably polite rebellion: the player keeps training, Atlético refuse to budge and “Sport” checks the temperature of the operation every few hours.

Should Atlético finally open the door, Barcelona are reportedly prepared to slightly improve their current offer of around €100 million. There is still no agreement and the Madrid club remain firm, but the flame has not gone out yet. At Barça, one fresh report is enough for the supporters to picture Julián wearing Blaugrana colours again.