Barcelona deny interest in Serie A hitman as alternative for Julian Alvarez

FC Barcelona are going through an intense period in the transfer market as sporting director Deco continues to shape the squad for the 2026-27 season.

Julian Alvarez remains the club’s priority at No. 9, while Rodri is the preferred target to strengthen midfield.

At the same time, Ferran Torres is edging closer to a move to PSG as Barça’s outgoing business begins to gather pace.

On Monday, reports emerged that Lautaro Martinez had returned to the Blaugrana’s agenda as a potential alternative to Alvarez.

The report claimed that Barça were also considering the Inter Milan striker as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski and could turn to him if their efforts to sign Alvarez ultimately failed.

No interest in Martinez

Barcelona, however, have categorically denied the information.

The Catalans insist that they have not contacted Martinez’s representatives at any point this summer and are not considering him as an alternative.

For now, the message from Barcelona is unequivocal: the club’s priority is Alvarez.

Those in charge of the sporting project remain determined to pursue the Argentine, who is doing everything possible to leave Atletico and fulfil his ambition of playing at the Spotify Camp Nou.

There is an acknowledgement within the club that reaching an agreement will be extremely difficult, but the La Liga champions still believe a solution that satisfies all sides could eventually be found.

A Plan B Still Exists
That does not mean Deco is working without alternatives. Hansi Flick has made it clear that he wants a No. 9, particularly if Ferran completes his move to PSG, making a new striker one of the club’s most important priorities.

Barcelona are therefore exploring two different areas of the market.

One is focused on young forwards with potential who can be signed at a relatively affordable price. The other involves experienced, established strikers who would require a considerably greater financial commitment.

No option has been completely ruled out, and the eventual direction of the search will depend heavily on how the Alvarez situation develops.

But for now, there is no ambiguity: Barcelona are focused exclusively on Alvarez and are not pursuing his compatriot Martinez.

Deco has already shown this summer that some of his most important work happens away from the spotlight, with deals for Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi and Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool progressing with little public noise.

The sporting director intends to continue operating in much the same way as Barcelona push toward the final stages of the transfer window.