Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez has dominated their search for a new striker this summer, but Atletico Madrid continue to resist the Catalan club’s efforts to sign the Argentina international.
Alvarez has reportedly made clear that he wants to join Barcelona, describing the move as a dream. However, Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has maintained that the 26-year-old is not for sale, even if Barcelona were to offer €200 million.
The situation has now reached another stage with Atletico coach Diego Simeone confirming that Alvarez will not start their LaLiga opener against Malaga.
The striker has returned to training but remains at the centre of the ongoing transfer uncertainty.
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With Atletico refusing to soften their stance, Barcelona have begun considering alternatives for the position.
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero has reportedly named several forwards under consideration, including Arsenal duo Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus.
Gyokeres is arguably the most significant name for Arsenal supporters. Barcelona are considering the Sweden international as an alternative to Alvarez, despite the striker only joining Arsenal last summer.
The 28-year-old became Arsenal’s main centre-forward during the 2025/26 season and finished as the club’s leading scorer in the Premier League.
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His situation has nevertheless attracted transfer speculation, with reports suggesting Barcelona could explore a move before the window closes.
Jesus has also emerged on Barcelona’s reported list of alternatives. Unlike Gyokeres, the Brazilian is approaching the final year of his Arsenal contract and has faced uncertainty over his role at the Emirates.
However, Mikel Arteta said this week that Jesus remains an important player for Arsenal after the forward was left out of the squad for the Community Shield.
Barcelona’s other reported alternatives include Lautaro Martinez, Luis Javier Suarez, Georges Mikautadze, Nicolo Tresoldi and Nicolas Jackson.
Their interest in Gyokeres and Jesus therefore forms part of a wider search for a replacement following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.