MADRID, July 17 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta continues to insist the club wants to sign Argentina international forward Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Speaking on radio station Cadena Ser early on Friday morning, Laporta said Barcelona had made Atletico "a very significant offer," but he also tried to pressure Atletico by saying the offer would not remain on the table indefinitely.
"If they're willing to accept it, fantastic, but it won't be open-ended. We have to make a decision. Whether we maintain the offer or not depends on how these last two weeks of July unfold," he added.
Atletico maintains a firm public stance against bowing to what it views as an illegal approach for Alvarez from Barcelona, especially after Alvarez commented in June that he wanted to leave.
"I try to be an honest person. I spoke with people at the club, and I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer," Alvarez told a press conference on June 22, with Laporta using those words as leverage.
"The player has spoken out, and that's why the matter is still open. It's clear he wants a change of scenery, and we're ready to welcome him. We'll see how it all unfolds," explained the Barcelona president, who insisted the club had other options.
"If the Julian deal doesn't materialize, we have alternatives," said Laporta. ■
