Barcelona’s striker search takes a new turn as Gyokeres and Martinez links emerge

Barcelona are considering several attacking options this summer, but their plans remain closely guarded as the club continues to prioritise a possible move for Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Spanish television programme El Chiringuito reported that Viktor Gyokeres could become Barcelona’s new striker if the club fails to reach an agreement for Alvarez. Gyokeres, who plays for Arsenal, has been linked with a move to the Catalan club during the current summer transfer window.

However, a report from The Athletic suggests that although Gyokeres is among the names associated with Barcelona, he does not have strong support within the club’s hierarchy. The Portuguese-born Sweden international is therefore viewed as a possible alternative rather than the leading choice for the position.

Alvarez remains the dream signing inside Barcelona, with the club continuing to explore the prospect of bringing the Atletico de Madrid forward to the Camp Nou. That ambition means the club’s interest in other strikers could depend on whether a deal for the Argentina international proves possible.

Lautaro Martinez is another player admired by people at Barcelona, according to sources within the club. Yet a move for the Inter striker would be extremely difficult to complete this summer.

Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta dismissed the possibility of Martinez leaving the Italian club in comments to DAZN Italia over the weekend. He said:

“Before anything else, Lautaro Martinez is our captain and embodies the current history of our club. And I can confirm very clearly that there is absolutely no chance of him leaving.”

Marotta’s statement underlines the challenge Barcelona would face if they attempted to pursue Martinez. The forward is regarded highly by Barcelona sources, but Inter’s position appears unequivocal, leaving the Spanish club with a difficult route to any potential agreement.

Barcelona’s sporting plans are being handled by manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, who have so far kept their intentions for the attack private. Their need to strengthen that area is clear, but the club has not publicly revealed which alternative it would choose should the Alvarez pursuit fail.

For now, Gyokeres is being discussed as one possible solution, despite the lack of enthusiasm for him within Barcelona’s management. Martinez remains a player of interest, although Inter have insisted he is not available. Alvarez, meanwhile, continues to represent the club’s preferred target as Flick and Deco consider their next move in the summer market.

The situation leaves Barcelona weighing ambition against practicality: Alvarez is the priority, Martinez is admired but appears unattainable, and Gyokeres could be considered if the club’s first-choice pursuit does not succeed.