A decisive moment in the transfer saga is rapidly approaching as Atletico begin their pre-season preparations. Alvarez is officially scheduled to report back for duty on August 10. His imminent return to the Spanish capital will force the striker to clarify his immediate position directly to the club hierarchy. This upcoming meeting could potentially break the current deadlock between the two rival clubs.
Meanwhile, Barca are reluctant to let this operation drag on indefinitely. While Alvarez remains their ultimate dream signing, the Catalan side are actively working on alternative attacking targets in case the deal completely collapses.