Barcelona make Julian Alvarez their only striker target

Barcelona have chosen not to recruit another centre-forward if they cannot sign Julian Alvarez, making the Atletico Madrid striker their sole target for the position. The decision ends the club’s consideration of alternative options, including Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

Alvarez, 26, is currently under contract at Atletico, having joined from Manchester City in the 2024/25 season for €75 million. Barcelona have already submitted an offer worth €100 million, but Atletico have not replied. The Madrid club’s president and coach Diego Simeone have maintained that they do not want to sell the Argentina and Italy international to Barcelona.

President Joan Laporta approved the approach after a four-hour meeting with the sporting department. He has asked sporting director Deco to remain patient and wait until the end of the summer transfer window rather than sign another player simply to fill the position. Coach Hansi Flick is also understood to support the plan.

Barcelona are willing to improve their proposal only if Atletico chief executive Gil Marin softens his stance and agrees to genuine negotiations. Alvarez’s preference is reportedly clear: he wants to move to Camp Nou. Until Atletico open that door, Barcelona will keep a place available for him rather than activate a fallback option.