Barcelona sticks to €100m offer for Julian Alvarez

Barcelona will not increase their €100 million offer for Julian Alvarez despite Real Madrid's failed €150 million bid to Atletico Madrid. The Catalan club remains firm on the original valuation. Atletico Madrid rejected Real Madrid's €150 million proposal and dismissed it publicly, signalling their resolve to keep Alvarez. The club's response underscored the difficulty of any competing offer. Barcelona view Alvarez as a preferred attacking target but have drawn a clear financial line. Club officials acknowledge the negotiations are complicated by the relationship between the clubs and Alvarez's importance to Diego Simeone. Barcelona will remain patient and assess the situation in the coming weeks. Joao Pedro is reported as a serious alternative should talks with Atletico fall through, having already indicated willingness to join. Images of the story were supplied by Eric Alonso and Shaun Botterill.