Barcelona weigh options after losing both senior strikers this summer

Barcelona have been left without a recognised senior striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer. The 37-year-old Lewandowski moved to MLS side Chicago Fire once his contract expired, while Torres joined Paris St-Germain for around 50m euros (£42.7m). Torres scored 21 goals in 49 appearances last season and had often deputised for Lewandowski through the centre.

Pursuit of Alvarez

Barcelona's stated preference is to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old Argentina international said during the World Cup that he would be open to a move, and Real Madrid have also shown interest. However, Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has insisted the club will not sell Alvarez, even for an offer of 200m euros (£170.8m).

Flick's alternatives

Coach Hansi Flick has acknowledged Barcelona need to address the gap but says he has options within his current squad. He pointed to Lamine Yamal's ability to play as a false nine, along with the versatility of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi. Yamal, who scored 24 goals last season and won the World Cup with Spain, has already established himself as Barcelona's main attacking threat, though Flick's preference remains to use him on the right wing, where he can isolate full-backs and create chances by cutting inside.

Dani Olmo and Raphinha have also been deployed centrally under Flick, while Fermin Lopez has said he is comfortable playing as a false nine. Gordon and Adeyemi bring pace and directness but are not conventional number nines. Barcelona could instead opt for a fluid front line with players rotating positions rather than relying on one fixed striker, though the club's preferred solution remains signing a specialist forward.