Barcelona have parked attempts to sign Julián Álvarez and are exploring other striker options before the transfer window closes, a source has told ESPN.
The source says Barça have not ruled returning for Álvarez at some point — potentially even in January — but Atlético Madrid’s reluctance to transfer the Argentina international has forced sporting director Deco to assess alternatives.
Barça coach Hansi Flick is insistent on the signing of a No.9 to cover the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Other key figures at the club believe there are already sufficient options within the squad if a new striker does not come in.
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Álvarez has always been Barça’s top target, as revealed by ESPN earlier this year, and the Spanish champions had an offer rejected of around €100m earlier this summer.
Atlético, meanwhile, have stuck to their stance that the former Manchester City forward cannot leave, despite him publicly telling ESPN he wants to move clubs.
Barça had hoped Álvarez’s comments would soften Atlético’s stance, but the source says the club now accept that beyond a “radical” late twist, it is not a deal which is on the cards this month.
Flick would still like a No.9, even if it’s not Álvarez, but others in the club feel Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and even Lamine Yamal can be used through the middle.
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Fermín López and Dani Olmo have also been deployed as false nines before, while the only natural striker with the squad during preseason is 18-year-old Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim.
Earlier this summer, Barça also explored moved for João Pedro and Junior Kroupi, but the former has signed a new contract with Chelsea and the Bournemouth striker has been ruled out for up to four months with a foot injury.
In recent weeks, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez and Sporting CP’s Luis Suárez have both been linked, too, but the prices of both operations are prohibitive for now.
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One source said Barça have also been following Benjamin Sesko for years, but signing the Manchester United attacker is currently viewed as impossible.
Villarreal duo Ayoze Pérez and Georges Mikautadze’s names have also come up, with a source saying Barça have been impressed with the latter’s data and performances since his move to Spain.
Barça have been active in the transfer market this summer. Rodri became their fourth signing of the window this week, following deals for Gordon, Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu, with João Cancelo set to join this week as well
