Barcelona make World Cup winner their No. 1 striker target as Julian Alvarez move off

Barcelona have made it their top priority to sign Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez as their new No. 1 striker. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has become the club's primary target after receiving confirmation that Atletico Madrid refused to sell their forward Julian Alvarez, according to sources. Barcelona had been persistently pursuing Alvarez throughout the summer, but after multiple rejections, the deal is now off.

With Alvarez no longer an option, the focus has shifted entirely to Martinez. The Inter Milan talisman's impressive 2025/26 season, where he helped Inter Milan secure another domestic trophy, makes him a formidable addition to Barcelona's lineup. However, securing Martinez is no easy feat, as the 28-year-old is a crucial player for Inter Milan, and the club's financial constraints limit their ability to make a significant bid.

Nevertheless, recent talks with Martinez's representatives have shown a glimmer of hope. The player's representatives have reportedly indicated that if a rare opportunity arises for Martinez to leave Milan, Barcelona would be his preferred destination. Barcelona's need for an elite striker couldn't be more urgent, considering the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres earlier this summer.

With young talents like Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi still settling in, Martinez offers the immediate goal-scoring prowess Barcelona desperately requires. The forward's tactical intelligence, exceptional finishing, and relentless pressing align perfectly with manager Hansi Flick's high-intensity style of play. With just over two weeks left in the transfer window, Barcelona is prepared to invest significant resources in making Martinez their new star striker, aiming to make this the summer's most significant transfer.