Swap deal? Atlético Madrid keen admirers of Barcelona star

Atlético Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany has long admired Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, according to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, raising the prospect of a potential swap deal involving Atlético’s Julián Álvarez.

With Torres’s Barcelona contract set to expire in the summer of 2027, the Catalan club have yet to commit to a definitive plan for the 26-year-old Spanish international. While an extension remains possible, sources close to the situation indicate that a sale this summer has not been dismissed, prompting renewed speculation across Spain.

Moretto told Radio Marca that Torres sits high on Alemany’s wish-list, stating: “He’s one of the players (Atlético sporting director) Mateu Alemany likes the most.”

The appreciation from the capital club could pave the way for a cash-plus-player exchange, with Barcelona known to hold an interest in Argentina striker Álvarez. Such a structure would allow both clubs to address key squad needs while navigating the constraints of La Liga’s financial regulations.

Interest in Torres stretches beyond Spain, but Atlético’s position as domestic rivals adds an intriguing layer to any negotiations. Barcelona must weigh the sporting and symbolic implications of allowing a Spain forward to join a direct competitor, particularly if it smooths the path for Álvarez to move in the opposite direction.

For now, no formal offer has been tabled, yet the groundwork appears to be laid for what could become one of the summer window’s most talked-about transactions.