Barcelona have drawn up a strong shortlist of five high-profile forwards as they look to strengthen their forward line.
With manager Hansi Flick demanding a world-class focal point to succeed Robert Lewandowski and lead the frontline into a new competitive era, sporting director Deco has spent weeks locked in intense negotiations with domestic rivals.
The primary catalyst driving this comprehensive multi-man shortlist is the growing realization that the club’s exhaustive pursuit of Julián Álvarez could completely collapse, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Atlético Madrid’s uncompromising stance—rejecting a staggering €100 million opening proposal and demanding an astronomical €120 million alongside a high-profile player exchange—has forced Barcelona president Joan Laporta to issue a firm warning that the club will not wait indefinitely.
Sitting at the absolute vanguard of this five-man contingency plan is Napoli’s powerhouse finisher Victor Osimhen, who is viewed internally as one of the strongest traditional number nines available in modern football.
Alongside him, the Blaugrana are closely monitoring the sophisticated profile of Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez, though his complex contractual layout presents a significant financial hurdle.
The comprehensive emergency shortlist is further completed by Chelsea’s dynamic forward João Pedro, Borussia Dortmund’s prolific marksman Serhou Guirassy—who possesses a highly attractive select release clause—and Bayern Munich’s generational spearhead Harry Kane.
While the administrative hierarchy maintaining this elite shortlist strongly emphasizes that the current Atlético Madrid vanguard remains the undisputed absolute priority, having these elite operations ready represents a vital show of strength.
By establishing clear structural parameters for multiple top-tier continental forwards, Deco has ensured the club retains total control over its transfer timeline.
Whether a breakthrough finally materializes for the Argentine or the board triggers one of these high-value alternatives, the Catalan giants are fully prepared to secure a blockbuster offensive general.
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