Shafaq News- Barcelona

Barcelona are still searching for a centre-forward after losing Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer, with their leading options blocked, unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

Julian Alvarez had been the club’s priority, but Atletico Madrid have refused to negotiate his departure despite the Argentine’s desire to leave. Barcelona then turned to Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, although that route has also stalled, with Inter determined to keep him.

Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez remains one of the clearest alternatives. Cadena SER reported that Barcelona contacted the Colombian’s representatives, but no talks have taken place between the clubs. Sporting have pointed to a release clause worth about $93 million after Suarez scored 28 league goals last season.

Barcelona are also considering Club Brugge forward Nicolò Tresoldi, while Viktor Gyokeres, Serhou Guirassy and Vangelis Pavlidis are among other names discussed as the search widens.

The need has grown after Lewandowski left following four seasons at the club and Ferran joined Paris Saint-Germain after scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season.

Cadena SER has also reported differing views inside Barcelona, with Hansi Flick favouring a traditional No. 9 while sporting director Deco is more open to a fluid attack without a fixed centre-forward.

Barcelona have younger internal options in Òscar Gistau and Hamza Abdelkarim, both 18, but neither has established himself at senior level, leaving the club to choose between a costly external signing or a more flexible attacking setup.