Barcelona eye Lautaro Martinez if Alvarez move fails

Barcelona have identified Lautaro Martinez as their main alternative if they fail to reach an agreement for Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez still the priority

The club are still trying to sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but Atletico's firm stance has forced Barcelona to look at other options at the same time. Talks over the Argentine forward have not been ruled out, and he remains the preferred target for Hansi Flick's attack.

Barcelona have been tracking Alvarez for months and view him as a strong fit because he can play through the middle, drift wide, press from the front and link play in combination moves. Atletico's reluctance to sell has complicated the picture.

Lautaro steps into frame

Martinez, Inter's captain and one of their key players in recent seasons, is now on Barcelona's list. The Argentina striker has long experience in European football, but any move would also be difficult to complete.

His contract with Inter runs until 2029, which gives the Italian club strong control over negotiations if Barcelona decide to make a formal approach.