Ronaldo Araujo has his say on Julian Alvarez to Barcelona transfer talk

Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo has weighed in on mounting speculation that the Catalan giants could make a summer move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, describing the Argentine as “one of the best strikers in the world.”

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the Uruguayan defender did not hide his admiration for the 24-year-old forward, whose future has become a hot topic despite a recent dip in goals for Diego Simeone’s side.

“He’s a great player; for me, he’s one of the best strikers in the world. You can see the quality he has,” Araujo said.

Pressed on whether Álvarez would suit Barcelona’s style, Araujo added: “The best players belong at the best club, which is us. That’s obvious. But it’s not my job to do that or make that decision.”

Álvrez, under contract with Atlético until 2030, has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea, yet his name continues to surface in Spanish gossip columns as Barça weigh up attacking reinforcements ahead of the next transfer window.

With important decisions looming at Camp Nou, the chatter surrounding Álvarez’s next step shows no sign of abating.