According to Marca, Barcelona are advancing with Plan B for their attack but have still not closed the door on signing Alvarez.

Hansi Flick is urging the club to take action. He wants to finalize the squad as soon as possible, and following Lewandowski's departure, the number 9 position still needs strengthening. Barcelona's primary target, Alvarez, has not yet been secured, as Atletico Madrid refuses to facilitate his transfer. The Catalan club is also pursuing other negotiations in case they ultimately cannot sign the Argentine forward. The German coach wants a center forward and hopes to have him join the team soon. But as long as these Plan B options are not finalized, Barcelona will continue to keep the door open for the Atletico Madrid player.

Weeks ago, Joan Laporta, speaking about Barcelona's offer to Atletico Madrid for Alvarez, said: "We have made a very important offer. If they are willing to accept, that's good, but this offer will not be valid indefinitely. We have to make a decision." The Barcelona president made it clear in advance that the club's interest has a deadline: late July to early August. That date is approaching, but the Madrid club remains unwilling to sit down and negotiate. Atletico Madrid wants the player to return for training on the 10th, even though they know the forward wants, and is determined, to join Barcelona.

In this situation, Barcelona's sporting management is active in the transfer market. They cannot wait forever for Alvarez, especially since Atletico Madrid's stance seems unshakeable. Barcelona have not given up, but they also cannot focus solely on the Argentine player.

Another important candidate to strengthen Barcelona's attack is AFC Bournemouth's Kroupi. The 20-year-old French attacker can play as a center forward, winger, and attacking midfielder. He wants to be part of Hansi Flick's plans, but as Marca reported a few days ago, the English club, like Atletico Madrid, is unwilling to let its player go. AFC Bournemouth considers him not for sale, and his value is estimated at around 130 million euros. Barcelona's management is unwilling to pay that amount, although the French U21 international is viewed as a significant investment with both immediate impact and future potential. The young player is also on the list of other European giants, including Tottenham, Arsenal, PSG, and others.

Chelsea's João Pedro has also been sounded out by Barcelona's hierarchy, but it is almost impossible for the 24-year-old forward to leave. His contract runs until June 2033.

In any case, Barcelona will not break the bank for any player, as there are already options within the dressing room capable of filling Lewandowski's void: Ferran, Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Gordon, etc.

Julian exerts pressure

Deco's potential list of signings certainly includes more names, and discussions have already begun with some of these players, but no decisions have been made yet. The sporting director is prepared to make signings and is also planning for the possible departure of players such as Ferran Torres this summer.

However, as long as no deal is finalized, Alvarez remains Barcelona's primary target. Barcelona also believes that pressure from the player himself will change Atletico Madrid's stance. The player already told Atletico Madrid's management in May that he wants to be part of Barcelona's plans and intends to reiterate this in the coming days.

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