Joan Laporta, president of Spanish club Barcelona, arrived in Dallas, Texas, to attend Tuesday's highly anticipated semi-final match between Spain and France at the FIFA World Cup.
The Barcelona president spoke to media waiting for him at his accommodation in the United States, addressing a number of matters concerning Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, Borussia Dortmund player Karim Adeyemi, and the future of club star Raphinha.
Laporta told Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo: "Raphinha is staying with us, and there is no intention whatsoever of letting him go. He is a key pillar, especially after strengthening the attack with the signings of Anthony Gordon and Adeyemi — that does not mean we will allow him to leave."
He added: "Unfortunately, Raphinha was unable to show his best in the final stages of La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey last season. Had he been available, the results would have been very different."
The Catalan club's president confirmed the signing of Adeyemi, saying: "We are extremely excited about him. He has impressed us for some time now — he is a dangerous and fast player. Sporting director Deco conducted the negotiations brilliantly, and we will announce his signing at the right moment."
Laporta then turned to Argentine striker Julián Álvarez, saying: "He scored a wonderful goal against Switzerland."
When asked about the possibility of signing the Atlético Madrid star, the Barcelona president replied: "We will see what happens. We will not be under any pressure. We will set the course of the deal by submitting a non-open-ended offer, and we will soon announce the deadline for this offer we have made, because the player is liked by the coach and the sporting director. I genuinely think he is a fantastic player, we have put forward a large offer, but it will not be open-ended."
He continued: "I think Julián is a fantastic player, and we are still standing by the offer despite its significant value, but its validity is not open-ended."
Laporta stressed: "We will not put pressure on Atlético Madrid. I have been in contact with the club's officials and told them that Barcelona's offer remains valid until Atlético Madrid finds a replacement for the player. The matter has not progressed beyond that."
Laporta declined to reveal the financial terms Barcelona offered for Julián Álvarez, saying: "I have said everything I have to say, and I will not discuss this matter in any further detail."