Instead of Álvarez. Barcelona's full striker shortlist revealed
Barcelona are being forced to broaden their striker search as a deal for Julián Álvarez remains extremely difficult.
Details: According to AS, Atlético Madrid remain firmly opposed to negotiating the departure of Julián Álvarez, forcing Barcelona sporting director Deco to work through alternative options for the number nine position. Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Tresoldi have recently emerged as the two most prominent names, although a deal for the Inter captain also appears extremely complicated.
AS has also published the wider list of forwards being considered by the Catalan club. The shortlist includes players from Spain, England, Italy, Portugal and Belgium, with their reported market values ranging from €25 million to €85 million.
- Nicolò Tresoldi — Club Brugge — €25 million
- Lautaro Martínez — Inter — €85 million
- Vangelis Pavlidis — Benfica — €28 million
- Georges Mikautadze — Villarreal — €30 million
- Luis Suárez — Sporting CP — €30 million
- Mikel Oyarzabal — Real Sociedad — €25 million
- Junior Kroupi — Bournemouth — €70 million
- Viktor Gyökeres — Arsenal — €65 million
Tresoldi is viewed as a significantly more affordable option and has the backing of Hansi Flick, while Lautaro remains difficult to prise away from Inter. Oyarzabal, Kroupi and Gyökeres are also considered complicated operations because of their importance to their current clubs or the financial demands involved.
It's worth noting that Tresoldi finished last season as the Belgian league's top scorer with 19 goals, a breakthrough campaign that has strengthened his position among Barcelona's alternatives.
Reminder: Boom! Barcelona go for a top striker
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
