​Today’s rumor mill is delivering a swirl of transfer chatter centered on the future of Julian Alvarez as headlines in Spain continue to heat up ahead of the 2026-27 season. According to Diario Sport, Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran has been presented to Barcelona as an alternative option should the club fail to land Alvarez. Duran, who has been eager to leave Saudi Arabia after a period of turbulence, is actively seeking a new club. He began his stint in the kingdom with a strong start but has since spent time on loan with Zenit St. Petersburg and Fenerbahce, leaving room for a fresh challenge in Europe. Barcelona have previously been linked with Duran, and Sport notes that Al-Nassr have asked whether Barca would rekindle their interest this summer. Benfica are also eyeing Duran, reportedly weighing a loan deal with an option to buy as part of their interest.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s pursuit of Alvarez appears to be prompting Atletico Madrid to consider potential alternatives. El Chiringuito has published a revealing report alleging that Mikel Oyarzabal is the target Diego Simeone would like to secure this summer. Oyarzabal has also drawn interest from Barcelona during the current transfer window, but the report suggests Atletico Madrid could push to lure him away from Real Sociedad. It’s claimed that talks have already taken place and that there is growing optimism that a deal could be completed. The Spain international has publicly played down talk of a move to Barcelona during the World Cup, yet the possibility of swapping clubs to join Atletico Madrid remains in play, especially if the right offer emerges.
In this climate of competing priorities, Alvarez’s future remains the focal point of intense speculation across Spain’s football press, with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid evaluating each other’s options as they plot long-term squad construction. The possibility of Duran moving to Barca as a backup plan to Alvarez adds another layer to an already crowded summer rumor mill, while the Atletico pursuit of Oyarzabal signals a broader strategy to refresh their attack under Diego Simeone. As clubs weigh loan arrangements, buy options, and potential swap deals, fans are left watching closely to see which transfers will crystallize first and how they will reshape the Spanish top flight heading into the new season.