FC Barcelona have been linked with a move for Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez this summer as a back-up option to their primary target, Julian Alvarez.
The striker returned to Al Hilal’s pre-season camp earlier this week, but both the player and the Saudi club are working towards a departure after an unsuccessful first season together.
[According to SPORT](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/primera-oferta-darwin-nunez-132760550), MLS side Atlanta United have become the first club to make a move, opening talks with Al Hilal over a possible loan deal that could include an option to buy.
The American club are believed to be preparing for the departure of Emmanuel Latte Lath and view Nunez as a potential replacement.
Discussions are progressing, but the Uruguayan is reportedly in no rush to accept the proposal.
His priority remains staying in Europe, where he believes he can still compete at the highest level following a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona remain among the clubs keeping an eye on his situation. Nunez has been offered to the Blaugrana through his representatives, but no negotiations have begun.
The biggest obstacle is financial.
Even if Al Hilal are willing to facilitate a move, Nunez’s salary and the structure of any potential agreement would make a deal difficult for Barcelona.
Barcelona’s focus has not changed.
The club are still pushing to sign Julian Alvarez, believing there could yet be an opportunity to prise the Argentine away before the transfer window closes.
However, there is also an acceptance that the operation may prove too expensive, forcing Deco to keep alternative options on the table.
Atletico have also shown absolutely no intention to negotiate thus far. That is where Nunez enters the picture.
His recent inconsistency means he is not the obvious dream signing, but his physicality, pace and ability to stretch defences offer qualities Barcelona currently lack in the centre-forward position.
Even so, this remains a waiting game.
Nunez wants to return to elite European football, while Barcelona are unlikely to accelerate discussions unless their pursuit of Julian reaches a dead end.
Atlanta’s approach could increase the pressure on the striker to make a decision, but there is little indication that he is ready to abandon his European ambitions just yet.
For now, Barcelona will continue to monitor developments while focusing their full attention on securing their preferred target before considering Plan B.