Barcelona’s attacking plans reach decisive stage as Julian Alvarez waits on Atletico future

Barcelona have entered a decisive week in the summer transfer window, with the club closing in on deals for Rodri and Joao Cancelo while awaiting a final decision from Argentina striker Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez remains Barcelona’s preferred target to strengthen their attack, but the club are not prepared to wait indefinitely. Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Barcelona have given the 27-year-old one final opportunity to resolve his position with Atletico Madrid before they turn to alternative options.

The next step is expected to be a meeting between Alvarez and Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin. Barcelona hope the discussions will persuade Atletico to agree to negotiations over a possible move to the Catalan club.

According to the report, Gil Marin previously promised Alvarez that he would be allowed to leave during this transfer window if he made clear that he wanted to take on a new challenge. Alvarez is now attempting to act on that understanding through the planned meeting.

Barcelona are expected to make a decision on their centre-forward plans this week. They will either complete a deal for Alvarez or end their pursuit and move on to their alternative targets, with the club unwilling to prolong the uncertainty.

Should talks fail, Barcelona have several other attacking options under consideration. The leading alternatives include Lautaro Martinez, Mikel Oyarzabal, Luis Suarez and Viktor Gyokeres.

The club could also choose not to sign a specialist number nine and instead continue with a false nine. That possibility remains under consideration if Barcelona are unable to secure a new recognised centre-forward.

Manager Hansi Flick is understood to have confidence in several members of his squad to operate in the position. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon are among the players he believes could be used in that role.

Barcelona are also monitoring the development of young players who have impressed during preparations for the new season. Egyptian prospect Hamza Abdelkarim is identified as the leading example of those emerging talents.

The uncertainty surrounding Alvarez comes as Barcelona attempt to complete a number of important pieces of business in the transfer window. The expected progress on moves for Rodri and Joao Cancelo has increased the importance of the decision over their forward line, with the club now seeking clarity on whether Alvarez can become the final major addition to their attack.

Marca says the coming days will be critical to the striker’s future, with Barcelona’s deadline effectively making this a final opportunity for Alvarez to help unlock a move away from Atletico Madrid.