Barcelona ‘to line up’ Al Hilal star as alternative for Alvarez deal | OneFootball

Barcelona have identified Al Hilal striker Darwin Nunez as their main fallback if a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez collapses, Mundo Deportivo reports.

Alvarez remains the priority despite an official rejection from Atletico Madrid.

The report adds Al Hilal are open to Nunez leaving, with offers from Türkiye and elsewhere, and that talks are progressing, while coach Simone Inzaghi wants more than one signing.

The 26-year-old returned to Al Hilal training shortly after his post-World Cup rest, despite months of negotiations over a mutual termination.

Nunez and his representatives are tracking Barcelona's stance. The club are hunting a striker amid uncertainty over Ferran Torres and interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

He is viewed as a low-cost option and joined Al Hilal's pre-season camp in Austria last Friday as he awaits a decision on his future.

His situation remains unresolved. He has not played an official match since 16 February after being omitted from the Saudi league and domestic cups to accommodate Karim Benzema, featuring only in the AFC Champions League.

With the same staff led by Simone Inzaghi still in place, doubts over his continuation persist, leaving open a possible return to Europe via Barcelona.

Source: Goal.com