Barcelona have lined up “exciting” Julian Alvarez alternative | OneFootball

Barcelona are determined to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, although it will not be easy to convince Atletico Madrid to sell to a direct rival. The Catalans will present their latest offer next week, but if it fails, they may have to accept defeat, and thus, look to secure the services of an alternative.

Barcelona also do not intend to overpay for Alvarez, which is another reason why there is no guarantee that they get their man. There is confidence that a deal can be struck, but at the same time, sporting director Deco has started making arrangements for if Atleti decide to block any transfer being done this summer.

According to MD, Deco is working on an alternative to Alvarez, and while it is not currently a priority due to the Argentine striker still being the club’s leading target, sufficient progress has been made in recent weeks.

Who is Barcelona’s mystery Plan B option to Alvarez?

The report does not state who the player is that Barcelona are working on, although it is recognised that they would be an “exciting” alternative to Alvarez. They have been linked with Eli Junior Kroupi and Fisnik Asllani in recent weeks, and while both players would represent promising business, they would not be coming in as guaranteed starters – and if Ferran Torres leaves, it would create even more uncertainty over the striker position.

For the moment, Barcelona are continuing to hope that any alternative will not be needed, as they hope that Atleti will eventually soften their stance, and thus, allow Alvarez to make the move to the Spotify Camp Nou. There will not be any more news until the Catalans submit their latest offer next week, at which point there should be more of an understanding as to whether an agreement can be reached in 2026.