La Liga giants FC Barcelona are reportedly shifting their attention to Victor Osimhen after Atlético Madrid reinforced their stance on keeping Julián Álvarez, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Barcelona had identified Álvarez as their primary target for the summer transfer window, but the Atlético striker is proving difficult to prise away, according to reports in Spain via Football España.
The Catalan club are exploring both Álvarez and Osimhen as potential replacements for veteran forward Robert Lewandowski.
Álvarez is reportedly valued at €200m, and any deal in that region would rank among the most expensive transfers ever, behind only Neymar’s €222m move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
Atlético signed the striker for €95m in the summer of 2024 and are unwilling to sell unless an offer exceeds €100m. Barcelona, meanwhile, are said to be prepared to offer around €70m, a figure well below Atlético’s valuation.
The report also highlights Barcelona’s financial constraints as a major obstacle in any move for Álvarez, with the club considering a player-plus-cash offer—an approach Atlético are expected to reject.
“The main issue is that Barcelona will struggle to spend as heavily as they have previously on a single position, given their ongoing financial difficulties.
“Furthermore, they have several areas to strengthen during the summer transfer window, meaning their funds must be spread across the squad.
“Nevertheless, Barcelona are prepared to move for Álvarez by offering a player-plus-cash deal to reduce the immediate financial outlay, although this is unlikely to appeal to Atlético.”
With negotiations for Álvarez appearing increasingly difficult, Barcelona are now turning their focus to Osimhen, who is valued at around €75m.
That figure is in line with what Galatasaray SK paid for the Nigerian striker last summer, although it remains unclear whether the Turkish club would demand a higher fee to part with their talisman.
“If Atleti continue to take a hard-line stance, which is expected, it would make sense for Barcelona to explore alternatives.
Victor Osimhen is one of the players under consideration, and he is viewed as a more attainable option than the 2022 World Cup winner,” the report added.
Atlético are no longer under the same financial pressure as in previous years, reducing the likelihood of a forced sale and further complicating Barcelona’s pursuit of Álvarez.
While they have no immediate plans to sell, Atlético could reconsider if a significantly improved offer arrives. However, Barcelona are now aware that any realistic chance of signing the Argentina international would require a bid exceeding €100m.
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