Barcelona striker alternatives are emerging as the club faces resistance from Atlético Madrid in its pursuit of Julián Álvarez

Barcelona are weighing three striker alternatives in Barcelona on Monday, August 17, 2026, as sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick continue to explore options amid the club’s difficult pursuit of Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.

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Álvarez remains Barcelona’s preferred target for the centre-forward position, but Atlético Madrid have continued to resist the possibility of selling the 26-year-old Argentina international. Barcelona’s pursuit has consequently become one of the more complicated transfer stories of the summer.

Spanish reports have identified Sporting CP forward Luis Suárez as one of the alternatives under consideration.

The 28-year-old Colombian has reportedly attracted Barcelona’s attention because of his recent goalscoring form, versatility and previous experience in Spanish football.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez is another name on Barcelona’s radar.

The Argentina international has been linked with the Catalan club for several months, with his profile regarded as suitable for a team looking for a proven goalscorer capable of contributing beyond the penalty area.

Georges Mikautadze has also emerged as a serious option. The Villarreal forward has reportedly attracted direct interest from Barcelona, with reports suggesting that the Spanish club could be more open to negotiating his departure than Atlético Madrid are with Álvarez.

Mikautadze’s form has strengthened his case. Villarreal’s official website highlighted his goals and assists during an impressive start to 2026, while recent reports have put his potential price at around €60 million.

Barcelona’s need for a new striker became particularly important after Robert Lewandowski announced his departure at the end of the 2025/26 season. The Poland international left after four seasons at the club, having scored 119 goals in 191 appearances.

Lewandowski described his Barcelona spell as an important chapter in his career and said he was leaving with the feeling that his mission had been completed. His departure has left Barcelona searching for a new focal point in attack.

The club’s preference remains Álvarez. Barcelona have pursued the forward throughout the summer, while the player has reportedly favoured a move to Camp Nou.

Atlético, however, have pointed to the player’s long-term contract and substantial release clause as major obstacles to any agreement.

That resistance has forced Barcelona to keep their options open. Recent reports have also linked the club with other forwards, including Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres, showing the breadth of the search as the transfer window approaches its decisive stage.

For now, the Álvarez pursuit remains Barcelona’s priority, but the emergence of Suárez, Martínez and Mikautadze gives the club alternative routes if negotiations with Atlético finally reach an impasse.

Also read: Rodri Set for Barcelona Medicals After £60m Deal

With the new season approaching, Barcelona face a crucial decision over whether to continue their determined pursuit of Álvarez or move quickly for a different forward who can take responsibility for leading the attack.