Three striker alternatives for Barcelona including Arsenal ace if Julian Alvarez and Eli Junior Kroupi deals fail | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a new striker has largely revolved around one name this summer: Julian Alvarez. He has been the dream target, with Eli Junior Kroupi emerging as an alternative.

However, both operations appear increasingly difficult. Atletico Madrid continue to resist any attempt to negotiate for Alvarez.

It has also been reported that Barcelona are no longer advancing for Kroupi, with Bournemouth making it clear they have no intention of selling.

The youngster’s metatarsal injury, sidelining him for 3-4 months, pretty much rules out a move as well.

If both options disappear, Barcelona will need to think creatively. Here are three strikers with very different profiles who could still make sense.

Viktor Gyokeres: The ready-made option

A deal for Gyokeres will be expensive. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

If Barcelona want someone capable of making an immediate impact, Viktor Gyokeres is the obvious choice.

The Swedish international has developed into one of Europe’s most complete centre-forwards.

He combines elite finishing with powerful ball-carrying, relentless pressing and the physical presence to dominate defenders.

Unlike a traditional target man, Gyokeres is comfortable drifting wide, attacking space and creating chances for teammates. That versatility would suit Hansi Flick’s aggressive attacking system.

The downside is obvious. At 28, he is entering his prime rather than beginning his journey.

Barcelona would be paying for immediate results instead of long-term development, while his transfer fee and salary would likely be among the highest of any striker on the market.

If Barça believe they can challenge for the Champions League right now, though, few forwards would improve the team more quickly.

Carlos Espi: The long-term investment

One for the future? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

At the opposite end of the spectrum sits Carlos Espi. The young Spanish striker represents the type of signing Barcelona have often made before a player’s value explodes.

He is mobile, technically gifted and still has enormous room for development. Signing the 21-year-old would not be about solving the striker position this season.

It would be about securing one of Spain’s most promising attacking talents before Europe’s biggest clubs inevitably become involved.

However, there are clear risks. Young forwards rarely adapt immediately, particularly at Barcelona, where expectations are relentless. He would require patience, careful development and probably limited minutes during his first campaign.

This would also mean that Barcelona should go into the season with Ferran Torres as their starting forward, not Espi. If the club truly believe in his potential, he could develop behind the senior Spaniard and become an option for the future.

Serhou Guirassy: The overlooked solution

The most viable solution? (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Guirassy may not generate the same excitement as younger names, but he offers something Barcelona currently lack.

The Guinea international is a proven goalscorer who thrives inside the penalty area while also contributing with intelligent movement and hold-up play.

His physical strength would give Barcelona a different attacking option against deep defensive blocks.

Unlike Gyokeres, Guirassy would likely arrive for a lower fee while still bringing valuable Champions League experience.

The biggest concern, however, is age. At 30, he would not represent the future of Barcelona’s attack. His resale value would be limited, and the club would eventually need another long-term solution.

Even so, not every signing needs to be a decade-long investment. Sometimes, a team simply needs a reliable striker capable of delivering goals immediately.

Which direction should Barcelona take?

The decision ultimately depends on what Barcelona want to build.

Gyokeres is the elite, win-now option who could transform the attack from day one.

Espi is the gamble on potential, the type of player who could become Barcelona’s striker for the next decade if developed correctly.

Guirassy sits somewhere in the middle, offering proven quality without demanding the same financial commitment as Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

If Alvarez and Kroupi are no longer realistic, Barcelona should resist signing a striker simply because one is needed. Every profile answers a different question.

Ultimately, the Catalan club are likely to try to push for Alvarez again, but in terms of alternatives, any of the above three would be good additions at the right price.