Barcelona had initially set their sights on Álvarez as their top attacking target ahead of the summer window. However, his club, Atlético Madrid, are standing firm and have made it clear they are not willing to let the forward leave easily.

The Argentine striker is seen as a long-term replacement for veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, but prising him away from Atlético is proving to be a major challenge. Reports indicate that Álvarez carries a massive price tag of around €200 million—placing him among the most expensive potential transfers in football history, close to the record set by Neymar when he moved to PSG in 2017.

Atlético, who signed Álvarez for €95 million in 2024, are reportedly unwilling to even consider negotiations unless offers exceed €100 million. On the other hand, Barcelona are only prepared to go as high as €70 million, creating a significant gap between both clubs’ valuations.

Financial limitations remain a key issue for Barcelona. The club is still dealing with economic challenges and cannot afford to spend heavily on a single player. As a result, they are considering a player-plus-cash deal to reduce costs—an option Atlético are unlikely to accept.

With talks for Álvarez becoming increasingly complicated, Barcelona have now shifted attention to Osimhen, who is believed to be valued at around €75 million. The Nigerian striker is seen as a more realistic option financially and strategically.

Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray SK, has continued to impress with his goal-scoring ability, making him an attractive option for the Catalan side. However, it remains uncertain whether Galatasaray would be willing to sell him at that price or demand more.

With Atlético no longer under financial pressure to offload players, Barcelona may find it increasingly difficult to land Álvarez—making a move for Osimhen look like the smarter and more achievable option as the summer transfer window approaches.