Why the Julián Álvarez Link With Javier Pastore Won’t Spark a Huge PSG Move

The Spanish ordeal drags on for the Argentina international in the opening stages of the 2026-2027 campaign. Julián Álvarez is enduring a bleak spell under Diego Simeone. He has logged just 173 minutes of play without a goal or an assist across 4 appearances in La Liga. That return points to a deep malaise, a far cry from the sparkling form he once showed at Manchester City.

The head coach of Los Colchoneros has now placed his trust in Jonathan David, who arrived on loan from Juventus through June 30, 2027, featuring a €25 million option to buy payable in four instalments. Pushed to the bench at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the World Cup winner has reportedly split with his long-time representative Fernando Hidalgo according to sports media, an exit designed to resolve an untenable sporting situation inside the Madrid club.

Looking to regain control of negotiations, the forward’s father, Gustavo Álvarez, has reached out to new agencies and turned directly to Javier Pastore. The former playmaker, who graced the Parc des Princes from 2011 to 2018, reportedly faces an urgent initial mission to reopen talks with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. The chief executive of Club Atlético de Madrid had shut down all dialogue with the player’s previous representative following summer overtures from Catalonia.

Settling into this emerging role, where Javier Pastore already reportedly manages the interests of Enzo Fernández, the former Parisian is by no means orchestrating a move to the capital for his compatriot. The warm personal bond between Javier Pastore and president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi inevitably fuels speculation, yet no tangible framework supports the link. Paris Saint-Germain hold no interest in the striker, keeping their focus entirely locked on hosting Le Mans this Saturday, October 10 at the Parc des Princes.

Facing this open crisis surrounding Julián Álvarez, the Madrid hierarchy is starting to lower its financial expectations for the upcoming transfer windows. While the deal tying Julián Álvarez to Atlético de Madrid runs through June 2030 with a release clause set at €500 million, the demands exceeding €120 million voiced a few weeks ago look completely unrealistic today. Los Colchoneros are now considering a negotiated exit as early as the winter transfer window or next summer to cut their losses.

This expected price cut has reignited speculation across Spain and England. FC Barcelona, who submitted a €100 million bid this summer that was instantly knocked back by the Madrid outfit, are monitoring developments cautiously given their current attacking depth. Meanwhile, Arsenal are tracking this opening in the Spanish capital very closely with a view to launching an offer as early as January. In the stands at the Parc des Princes, fans know the drill when a transfer saga spirals, but Paris Saint-Germain will merely watch this upcoming European tussle unfold from afar.