Barcelona have ten days remaining to secure a new striker before the summer window closes, with their primary target slipping away as deadline pressure mounts. Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have departed, leaving young Hamza Abdelkarim as the club’s only recognised number nine.
Alvarez pursuit stalls as Atlético holds firm
As reported by AS, Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona’s first choice, with the Argentine forward pushing for an exit from Atlético Madrid. Fan discontent at the Spanish capital club this summer has strengthened his desire to leave. Yet Atlético have made clear they will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances, effectively closing off what has been Deco’s opening strategy since the window began.
Barcelona have not abandoned hope entirely, though the mathematical reality grows grimmer by the day. A move for Álvarez would now require circumstances to shift dramatically in their favour—something few expect to materialise before the deadline.
Martínez and Tresoldi emerge as fallback options
Recognising the Álvarez impasse, Barcelona’s sporting director has activated two alternative routes. Lautaro Martínez stands as the more established backup, and the Inter Milan striker is reportedly willing to move. An agreement with the player exists, but Inter have refused to part with him and will demand no less than €100 million should they reconsider.
Nicolò Tresoldi, a 22-year-old Club Brugge striker, represents the second avenue. Manager Hansi Flick has championed the option himself. Tresoldi would be attainable for approximately €25 million—a fraction of what Inter demand—but carries considerably less pedigree than either Álvarez or Martínez.
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How Barcelona’s window calculus has shifted
The club faces an uncomfortable choice: persist with a fading Álvarez bid that consumes valuable time, or pivot decisively toward either Martínez (expensive, difficult) or Tresoldi (affordable, unproven at elite level). Each passing day narrows Barcelona’s negotiating window and reduces their leverage. The ten-day countdown is not merely symbolic—it determines whether they enter next season with a proven goalscorer or a developing prospect shouldering unexpected responsibility. Deco’s decision-making in the coming week will define Barcelona’s attacking shape for months ahead.
