Barcelona step up search for striker alternatives as patience over Julian Alvarez runs thin

Barcelona have begun actively exploring alternative centre-forward options as their negotiations with Atletico Madrid for Argentina striker Julian Alvarez continue to stall, despite the player remaining the Catalan club’s top target.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, new head coach Hansi Flick is pushing for clarity over his attacking options as quickly as possible following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, and is reluctant to wait indefinitely for a breakthrough in talks over Alvarez.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta previously revealed that the club had submitted what he described as a very significant offer to Atletico Madrid for the 24-year-old forward. He also made clear that the proposal would not stay on the table forever and that a decision over the player’s future was required.

That deadline now appears to be approaching, with Atletico so far standing firm in their refusal to facilitate Alvarez’s exit, despite the player’s desire to move to Barcelona.

Atletico expect Alvarez back despite Barca interest

Atletico Madrid are expecting Alvarez to report back for pre-season training with Diego Simeone’s squad on 10 August, even though they are fully aware that the striker has set his sights on a transfer to Barcelona.

The Argentina international informed the Atletico hierarchy in May that he wanted to take on a new challenge with the Catalan club. However, the Spanish capital side have shown no public willingness to soften their stance or open the door to negotiations on different terms.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have not definitively closed the door on completing a deal for Alvarez, but sources indicate that their patience is being tested by the lack of progress and Atletico’s firm position.

Junior Kroupi among alternative targets

Faced with the growing difficulty of landing their preferred option, Barcelona have started assessing other forwards on the market, with Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi emerging as one of the main names under consideration.

Kroupi is admired both by Flick and by figures within the club’s sporting department, who view the player as a valuable long-term prospect for the attack. However, any move for the 19-year-old is also viewed as highly complicated.

Bournemouth consider Kroupi not for sale, and his valuation is understood to be around €130m, a fee which would present a major obstacle for Barcelona given their financial constraints and UEFA’s financial regulations.

Enquiry over Joao Pedro also hits obstacles

Barcelona have also previously enquired about the situation of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro as they compile a shortlist of possible alternatives if a deal for Alvarez cannot be done.

However, a transfer for the Brazilian is regarded as extremely difficult, largely because he is tied to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge that runs until June 2033, leaving Chelsea in a strong negotiating position and able to demand a substantial fee.

Despite opening lines of communication for several back-up options, Barcelona still view Alvarez as their primary objective to lead the line next season.

The club are hoping that the player’s stance – and his explicit wish to move to Camp Nou – can help apply pressure on Atletico Madrid and eventually persuade them to soften their position.

For now, though, Barcelona’s recruitment team are working on parallel tracks: keeping the Alvarez deal alive while quietly advancing contingency plans in case Atletico’s resistance proves impossible to overcome.