​Journalist drops major Julian Alvarez Barcelona verdict: ‘Don’t think he will stay at Atletico’Julian Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid continues to dominate Barcelona transfer news, and Argentine journalist Gaston Edul has now delivered a strong assessment of where the situation could be heading.According to Edul, the current tension between Alvarez, his representatives and Atletico’s hierarchy is unlikely to disappear easily. More importantly for Barcelona, the journalist believes the Argentine striker has made his preferred destination clear.Alvarez wants to join Barcelona and remains convinced about that decision, despite Atletico Madrid’s refusal to negotiate with their La Liga rivals.The latest developments come after a public war of words involving Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Alvarez’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo. Alvarez’s camp responds to Atletico Madrid tensionThe situation took a strong turn after Gil Marin publicly criticised people close to the Argentine forward.Hidalgo then responded through social media, adding further tension to an already complicated situation. Edul was not surprised by the agent’s reaction, particularly after what he described as criticism aimed at Alvarez’s inner circle.Speaking about the exchange, the journalist said:“What Hidalgo did doesn’t really surprise me, because Gil Marin has been targeting people close to Julian. As we say in Argentina, he’s put the ball back in their court.”Julian Alvarez wants to leave Atletico Madrid and play for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)According to Edul, the current standoff has roots in discussions that took place before the World Cup.Gil Marin and Alvarez held a meeting in which the striker had not completely closed the door to staying. His position at that stage was that he would allow the transfer window to develop and consider the situation if an acceptable proposal arrived.However, Edul claims Atletico’s position changed when Barcelona entered the picture.The Madrid club refused to negotiate or even respond to Barcelona’s approaches, despite previously suggesting that they would consider a suitable offer.Barcelona remain Alvarez’s clear preferenceOne of the biggest developments has been Atletico’s willingness to negotiate with Arsenal.However, the Premier League move is not expected to happen because Alvarez does not want to return to England for personal reasons involving both himself and those close to him.Instead, the Barcelona transfer remains the player’s clear objective.The journalist explained that Alvarez rejected Arsenal because he knows what he wants and has his sights firmly set on joining the Blaugrana.“Julian turned down Arsenal because he knows exactly what he wants: to join FC Barcelona. Alvarez’s relationship with Atletico Madrid is deteriorating. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)“I don’t want to be categorical, as there are still a few days left before the trans