The second option for Barcelona is Fisnik Asllani, who could become a fallback should the Álvarez pursuit fail. Leipzig is also interested in Asllani, creating further financial and sporting competition. Junior Kroupi seems the least likely candidate, with Barcelona's management divided over his signing, though Flick has given his approval. Completing the quartet is Ferran Torres, who has yet to renew his contract and enters the final year with "Spotify Camp Nou." His future could depend on whether Barcelona successfully acquire Álvarez.
Barcelona's approach differs significantly from many other European giants, who add reinforcements more as luxury depth. While PSG, Real Madrid, and Arsenal have options and alternatives that allow them to compete with ease, Barcelona is hunting for a key striker vital to remain competitive in La Liga and finally clinch the elusive Champions League title. Financial limitations make it hard for Barça to outbid Premier League clubs, complicating the pursuit further.
Real Madrid poses a major obstacle by lodging a 150 million euro offer for Álvarez, a sum set to be rejected but designed to force Atlético to demand this amount from Barcelona. The Álvarez deal is linked with Vinícius Júnior’s future at Real Madrid, whose potential move to Arsenal could shift the balance in negotiations.
Barcelona is also wary of losing Ferran Torres for free next January, which might prompt sanctioning his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where he enjoys a solid rapport with coach Luis Enrique and expects more playing opportunities. As it stands, Barcelona cannot guarantee starting the upcoming season with the kind of star striker Álvarez represents, let alone place their hopes on younger, less proven talents like Asllani and Kroupi.
