Barcelona faces striker shortage as Julián Álvarez move stalls

FC Barcelona’s sporting director Deco cannot secure Argentine forward Julián Álvarez after Atlético Madrid blocked any transfer. The club also lost the option to sign Chelsea’s Brazilian striker João Pedro, who was declared completely in‑transferable following Chelsea’s €50 million investment.

With the departure of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres entering the final year of his contract, Barcelona are exploring other targets. Coach Hansi Flick has identified three alternatives: João Pedro, who could require a €100 million offer; Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth, also valued around €100 million; and Spanish world‑cup winner Mikel Oyarzabal, whose price is estimated near €75 million. The club must decide quickly to fill the attacking void before the new season begins.