Barcelona Prepares Backup Plan in Case of Alvarez Deal Collapse

Barcelona continues its efforts in the summer transfer market in search of a new striker to compensate for the departure of Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, with Argentine Julian Alvarez remaining at the top of the club's priorities, despite stalled negotiations so far due to Atletico Madrid's firm stance against selling the player.

According to "Mundo Deportivo," Barcelona's management, led by sporting director Deco, is not only focused on securing the deal for Julián Álvarez but is simultaneously preparing an alternative plan in case an agreement with Atlético Madrid cannot be reached, ensuring they sign a striker capable of leading the team's attack next season.

The newspaper added that the alternative option is highly regarded within the club, and he is seen as a player capable of replacing Lewandowski, although the priority remains to finalize the deal for the Argentine striker.

This comes as negotiations between the two clubs continue without any breakthrough, after Barcelona submitted an official offer to sign Julián Álvarez, while Atlético Madrid remains firm in not letting go of one of their star players during the current transfer window.

In this context, Barcelona president Joan Laporta reiterated that the offer made to sign Alvarez will not remain open indefinitely, stating that the club will not wait endlessly to finalize the deal.

Laporta stated: "It is clear that we will not dance to anyone else's tune; we will set the rhythm of the negotiations ourselves. This offer is not open indefinitely, and we will announce in due time how long it will remain valid. We made this offer because we want to sign a player who is admired by the coach and the sporting management. It is a substantial financial offer, but it will not remain open without limits."