Barcelona Shifts Striker Hunt After Álvarez Deal Falters

Barcelona’s pursuit of Argentine forward Julián Álvarez stalled after Atlético Madrid refused to sell. With the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, the club has redirected its focus to Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez while also monitoring Gabriel Jesus and internal prospects.

Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative Lautaro Martínez emerges as Barcelona’s preferred target after Julián Alvarez transfer fizzles out The Atlético president responds: will Álvarez clash with the anger of Madrid's fans after the Barcelona crisis?

Álvarez, a former Manchester City forward, was Barcelona’s top priority since early 2024. The club submitted a €100 million bid in June, which Atlético rejected. Atlético president Enrique Cerezo reiterated that the striker “is not for sale.” Coach Diego Simeone later explained Álvarez’s omission from the La Liga opener as a fitness issue, not a transfer matter.

The Atlético president responds: will Álvarez clash with the anger of Madrid's fans after the Barcelona crisis? Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative ESPN

• Barcelona’s rejected offer for Álvarez: ~€100 million (ESPN).

Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative

• Atlético’s threshold: bids up to €200 million would be turned down (Livescore).

The Atlético president responds: will Álvarez clash with the anger of Madrid's fans after the Barcelona crisis?

• Martínez’s Inter record: 175 goals in 376 appearances; Serie A top scorer 2023-24.

Lautaro Martínez emerges as Barcelona’s preferred target after Julián Alvarez transfer fizzles out

• Gabriel Jesus’s market price: ~£18 million, with Arsenal willing to negotiate (Livescore).

Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative

• Recent Barcelona signings: Rodri, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu; João Cancelo expected imminently (ESPN).

ESPN

“We're looking for that player [a striker] and Deco is doing a great job,” — Hansi Flick, Barça coach

ESPN

“We've lost two players in attack, Lewy and Ferran,” — Deco, sporting director

ESPN

Flick praised 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored four preseason goals, noting his ability to “attack crosses” and “keep the ball well.” Deco said the club has “solutions to cover Ferran” but replacing Lewandowski is “much more difficult.”

ESPN

Sources differ on Martínez’s willingness to join Barcelona. Jijantes claims Martínez has “opened the door,” labeling him the club’s “number-one priority,” while Sky Italy reports Inter has received no formal offer and calls the 28-year-old “untouchable.” Details on any formal bid for Martínez and Barcelona’s exact budget for a €200 million-plus deal remain unconfirmed.

Lautaro Martínez emerges as Barcelona’s preferred target after Julián Alvarez transfer fizzles out

Barcelona is expected to intensify negotiations with Martínez’s representatives and explore alternative forward options before the window closes at the end of August. The sporting director has indicated that “more movement” is likely in the final days, suggesting additional offers or loan arrangements could emerge.

Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative

---

ESPN

Verbatim Quotes

ESPN

• “We're looking for that player [a striker] and Deco is doing a great job,” — Hansi Flick, Barça coach

ESPN

• “We've lost two players in attack, Lewy and Ferran,” — Deco, sporting director

ESPN

• “I don't know now whether he will ask for an apology, but Julian is a wonderful person, and I am sure, indeed completely confident, that he will win the fans' love in two matches.” — Enrique Cerezo, Atlético Madrid president

The Atlético president responds: will Álvarez clash with the anger of Madrid's fans after the Barcelona crisis?