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

Barcelona have turned their attention to Lautaro Martinez and Gabriel Jesus as the Spanish champions look to strengthen at centre-forward.

Barca are on the hunt for forward options after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer.

Hansi Flick's side have been frustrated in a pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madridinsistent that the Argentine is not for sale. Atletico have said even bids of €200m (£171m) will be rejected, despite Alvarez's admission that he wants to leave.

As a result, Barcelona have now made Lautaro Martinez their top target. JournalistGerard Romero has reported that the Inter Milan captain is now the 'number one priority'.

"It will be a very difficult deal to pull off, but Lautaro is Barça’s number-one priority, and the club will do everything possible in the final days of the transfer window," he told said in theJijantesFC live stream.

"Lautaro has opened the door to a move to Barcelona."

However, Sky Italy are reporting that Inter have received no offer from Barcelona as things stand, and consider the 28-year-old untouchable.

Martinez has scored 175 goals in 376 games for Inter and was Serie A's top scorer for a second time last season, as the Nerazzurri won the Scudetto.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus emerges as £18m market opportunity for Barcelona amid Alvarez frustration

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Gabriel Jesus has emerged as an option.Arsenal are open to offers for the 29-year-old, whose deal in North London expires next summer.

Napoli have also expressed interest in the Brazilian, who has an asking price of around £18m. Barcelona sporting director Deco believes Jesus could represent a cost-effective market opportunity to add to Barca's depleted frontline.