Speaking after Argentina’s 2-0 World Cup win over Austria on Monday, Alvarez said, in no uncertain terms, that he would like to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
"I can't hide either. I try to be an honest person. I spoke with the people at the club I needed to speak with. The best thing for everyone is a transfer, and I want to fulfill my dream,” he told ESPN.
LaLiga rivals Barcelona have a serious interest in the 26-year-old and have already had a €100 million offer turned down.
According to Sport, Alvarez’s willingness to push for a move has changed things, and Barcelona will be back in with a €130 million bid.
Publicly, Atletico Madrid insist that Alvarez won’t be sold for anything less than the €500 million release clause in his contract.