Barcelona set a clear plan B if they fail to sign top attacking target this summer

Barcelona’s pursuit of top attacking target Julian Alvarez has amounted to a whole lot of nothing so far, even as the player seemingly tries to push his way out of Atletico Madrid.

To some extent, Alvarez’s ploy is working but Atletico Madrid remain determined not to sell their star striker to a direct rival.

As a result, Barcelona are starting to look at other options, having already been linked with a host of alternatives. But the club appear to have a clear plan B if they fail to sign Alvarez this week.

Barcelona’s plan B for Alvarez

Alvarez is sitting ducks at Atleti. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As reported by MARCA, Barcelona are now certain they will not be able to sign Alvarez, with Atletico’s stance remaining unshakeable.

Despite the pressure created by the player himself and the reaction of the Atletico fans, Gil Marin and Mateu Alemany are clear in their position. They are willing to sell Alvarez to Arsenal, but not to Barcelona under any circumstances.

Crucially, though, Barcelona’s plan B does not involve signing another striker. Flick and Deco have decided against bringing in a forward this summer unless a genuine, top-level opportunity arises, something they consider highly unlikely with just a week left in the window.

It appears the sporting department will not sign a mediocre player just for the sake of it, and landing an elite striker at this stage is extremely difficult, as no club would sell one of their best players with so little time to find a replacement.

Flick happy with his options

Hansi Flick is happy with his options. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

A big factor behind the decision is what Flick has seen from his attack in pre-season and the opening game against Elche.

The German is content with his options, given how many of his players can operate through the middle.

Raphinha excelled as a false nine against Elche, while new signings Gordon and Adeyemi, though wingers, can both play centrally, as can Dani Olmo.

The youngsters offer further depth too, with Hamza Abdelkarim having been the top scorer in pre-season and Jesse Bisiwu also showing an eye for goal.

Should things not work out, Barcelona retain the option of revisiting the market in January, but for now, Flick is happy to stick with what he has.