By KBC Associate 
Julian Alvarez’s agent has fuelled speculation of a move away from Atletico Madrid by admitting “there aren’t many Argentines who don’t have a feeling for Barcelona”.
Alvarez enjoyed a productive first season at Atletico after joining from Manchester City, scoring 29 goals in all competitions as Diego Simeone’s men finished third in La Liga.
The 25-year-old is rumoured to be on Barca’s wishlist as they seek a successor to Robert Lewandowski and his representative Fernando Hidalgo did little to quell talk of a move to Catalonia.
Hidalgo told the Solo Para Cules podcast on El Chiringuito: “I understand that they [Atleti] have received many calls, but always, from what I have discussed with the club heirarchy, is that Atlético’s position in this market is that Julián stays for next season.
“You already know the admiration that Julián has for Spanish clubs. And obviously following Leo Messi’s career since he was a boy… I don’t think there are many Argentines who don’t have a feeling for Barça.”
Cubarsi praise for Alvarez
Barcelona clinched a league and cup double last season and received plenty of plaudits for their style of play under Hansi Flick.
That has impressed Alvarez, according to Hidalgo, who revealed his client was also appreciative of remarks made by Barca centre-half Pau Cubarsi.
In March, Cubarsi was asked which player he would like to see at Barca and responded by name checking Alvarez.
Hidalgo added: “It’s not just how Barca played this season, Julián is very grateful to many players who have always spoken very well of him, such as Cubarsí.
“That makes him motivated, but I repeat that today is Atlético, he is very happy here. We’ll see how the negotiation is. You know perfectly well that soccer is very changeable and good things are going to come.”
Alvarez is currently on international duty with Argentina and is expected to play tonight when the world champions take on Chile in Santiago.