Barcelona refuse to enter transfer auction for priority striker target | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski has already hit a major obstacle, with the club refusing to lose control financially in pursuit of Julian Alvarez.

According to reports emerging from SPORT, Barcelona have no intention of entering a transfer auction for the Atletico Madrid striker, despite viewing him as one of the ideal profiles to strengthen the attack in the coming years.

The Catalan giants have been informed through intermediaries that any possible operation for the Argentine international could rise beyond €100 million. 

In fact, according to sources, figures around €140-150 million are already being discussed, numbers that Barcelona simply do not consider realistic under their current financial situation.

Barcelona will not cross the red line

The Catalan giants do not want to be dragged into a transfer battle, especially if clubs from the Premier League or Paris Saint-Germain decide to become seriously involved. 

Barcelona will not pay too much for Alvarez. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Even if those clubs push aggressively for the Argentine, Barcelona have made it clear internally that they will not move beyond their financial limits.

The idea is not to complete another historic operation simply for the sake of signing a superstar name. 

Instead, the objective is to invest in a player capable of improving the attack without placing more pressure on the club’s finances.

Barcelona do need a forward

It is known that Barcelona urgently need a reliable striker, particularly with Lewandowski increasingly expected to move on.

The veteran Polish forward has several opportunities on the table heading into the summer, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the most likely destination. 

Alvarez is also wanted by Premier League clubs. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

If he moves on, Ferran Torres would likely become the only solution. While the Spaniard has performed well at times as a striker, his natural game still comes from wider positions, particularly from the right side.

That explains why Barcelona have explored the market so aggressively for a more complete attacking profile. 

However, with the Alvarez operation now looking unrealistic financially, Barcelona may be forced to shift attention elsewhere. 

In that sense, one alternative being discussed is Joao Pedro, although even that move would require significant investment.