Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative

Barcelona has shifted its focus to signing Lautaro Martinez and Gabriel Jesus as it searches for a centre-forward replacement following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The Spanish champions have been unable to secure a deal for Julian Alvarez, whose desired exit from Atletico Madrid is met with a refusal from the club to sell even at a €200m fee.

Lautaro Martinez, a captain at Inter Milan, has reportedly become Barcelona's top target, with the club willing to make every effort to complete the transfer in the transfer window's final days. Despite Inter Milan's recent Scudetto victory, they consider the 28-year-old Argentine player untouchable. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus, a 29-year-old Arsenal player, has emerged as a potential £18m option for Barcelona, with the club open to offers due to the end of his contract next summer.

Napoli has also shown interest in Jesus, who has an estimated asking price of £18m. Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, believes Jesus could be a cost-effective solution to bolster the depleted attacking lineup.