Pedri on Julian Alvarez amid Barcelona's pursuit of Atletico forward

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has delivered a candid assessment of Julian Alvarez as speculation mounts over a potential blockbuster summer switch from Atletico Madrid. Speaking during a broadcast interview with Teledeporte, the Spain international said: "Julian as a player, I like him a lot, and I’ve always said that I want the best players at Barcelona," but warned that "many things need to happen for that to take place".

His comments come as senior executives Deco and Joan Laporta attempt to navigate a complicated financial landscape, with Atletico unwilling to simplify negotiations and boardroom relations described as fragile. Pedri added: "I don’t want to interfere in the club’s or the player’s affairs.

If the deal goes through and it happens, then welcome aboard." The transfer stir began after Alvarez publicly asked Atletico to put him on the market, and Barcelona have prepared a €130m bid, making the World Cup winner a priority to replace Robert Lewandowski following the expiration of his Camp Nou contract.

Spain, Barcelona

pedri, julian alvarez, atletico madrid, barcelona, deco, joan laporta, 130m euros, robert lewandowski, camp nou, transfer request