Barcelona have ended their pursuit of Julián Álvarez and are exploring alternative striker options before the transfer window closes, according to a source speaking to ESPN. The club had an offer of around €100m rejected by Atlético Madrid earlier this summer, and Atlético remain unwilling to sell the Argentina international despite Álvarez publicly expressing his desire to leave. While Barça haven't ruled out a potential return for Álvarez—possibly in January—the source indicates the deal is unlikely to materialize this month.

Coach Hansi Flick continues to push for a dedicated No. 9 following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Sporting director Deco acknowledged the challenge of replacing Lewandowski, noting internal options include Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, and even teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored in Barcelona's Joan Gamper Trophy victory. The club has also considered João Pedro, Junior Kroupi, Lautaro Martínez, Luis Suárez, Benjamin Sesko, and Villarreal's Georges Mikautadze, though financial constraints and availability have limited progress.

Barcelona's recent signings include Rodri, Gordon, Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu, with João Cancelo expected to join soon.