Barcelona’s search for a new number nine has continued throughout the summer and, with just a week left in the transfer window, there is still no clarity on who the club will be able to sign.
For most of these past couple of months, the Catalans have had their eyes fixed on one player: Julian Alvarez. However, Atletico Madrid have simply refused to sell him to Barça.
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In recent weeks, the club have been linked with Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez as a potential alternative, but even that operation seems close to impossible.
Now, according to Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito TV, Barça have identified Viktor Gyokeres and Nicolo Tresoldi as alternatives to the Argentine striker.
Gyokeres and Tresoldi on Barcelona’s list
In complete contrast to how they have moved for other targets this summer, Barça have had to make contingency plan after contingency plan for the number nine position.
Lautaro appears to be one of the leading names under consideration, but Barça do not have the luxury of relying on a single option before the transfer deadline.
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Arsenal striker Gyokeres would represent the more established solution. He is a powerful, direct striker who offers presence in the box and a consistent goal threat.
Barcelona see Viktor Gyokeres as Lautaro Martinez alternative. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Coincidentally, the Gunners also want to sign Alvarez and should they get the player’s green light, they could be more open to selling the Swede this summer.
Club Brugge starlet Tresoldi, by contrast, would be a younger and potentially more developmental option, offering a very different type of investment.
The contrast suggests Barça are keeping multiple pathways open rather than committing to one specific profile.
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Can Barça go into the new season without a central striker?
Barcelona need a natural centre-forward after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and Hansi Flick has been forced to rely on flexible attacking solutions in the meantime.
However, Raphinha has shown in a couple of pre-season games and against Elche that he is capable enough of playing through the middle.
Similarly, the team also have options like Anthony Gordon, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo who can play as the striker.
Nicolo Tresoldi is also on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)
Thus, Barça should not spend heavily simply for the sake of adding a No. 9. The striker signing has to fit Flick’s football and offer enough goals to justify the investment.
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This is where Deco’s work becomes crucial.
The sporting department cannot wait until the final hours of the market to discover whether the preferred operation is possible.
Having alternatives prepared gives Barça the option to pivot quickly if negotiations for Alvarez or Lautaro do not seem possible.
Ultimately, the dream is still Alvarez and, on one hand, the Catalans will continue to bang on Atletico Madrid’s door for him.
On the other hand, the club needs to have an alternative lined up, and it remains to be seen whether Barça will sign a new striker in the coming week.
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