Barcelona's hunt stalls as Julian Alvarez blocked, Man United lure

FC Barcelona have intensified their search for a striker after Atletico Madrid confirmed that Argentine forward Julian Alvarez will not be sold, reports SPORT. The Catalan club now turn their attention to alternatives, including a Manchester United forward, as they explore other options.

Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin publicly rejected Barcelona’s pursuit, stating the club would not consider offers of €100 million, €150 million or €200 million for the Argentine forward. The CEO’s comments make clear that any €100‑million‑plus bid is off the table.

Barcelona’s sporting department is also assessing other targets after Robert Lewandowski’s departure and Ferran Torres being linked with PSG. The Catalan side must replace the goal‑scoring output while staying within budget constraints.

Eli Junior Kroupi tops the list, praised by sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick. Bournemouth are demanding around €100 million for the forward, a fee Barcelona deem out of reach.

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro is on Barcelona’s radar after netting 20 goals and nine assists last season. The Blues are believed to value him at roughly €100 million, making a deal unlikely.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has been discussed, yet he repeatedly expressed a desire to stay in Italy, reducing his chances. Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani, with a €29 million release clause, is seen as a more affordable option.

Man United striker Benjamin Sesko remains another admired prospect, having scored 12 goals in his first season at Old Trafford, though the English club’s asking price is expected to be prohibitively high. Harry Kane is no longer viewed as realistic after indicating he wants to remain at Bayern Munich.

Lower‑cost alternatives include free‑agent Dusan Vlahovic after leaving Juventus, and possible moves for Jhon Duran and Darwin Nunez should they drop in the pecking order at their Saudi clubs. Deco stresses patience and a focus on value and long‑term fit.