Barcelona are reportedly searching for a new leading man to spearhead their attack this summer as the future of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski remains shrouded in mystery and doubt.
While many supporters have spent months dreaming of a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez, it appears the Catalan giants are now forced to consider much more realistic alternatives.
Julian Alvarez remains top target but deal looks unlikely
The hierarchy at the Camp Nou has long admired the quality of Julian Alvarez and viewed him as the perfect long term successor to the aging Polish international this season.
However, Atletico Madrid have remained incredibly firm in their stance that the World Cup winner is not for sale at any price during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Because of this refusal to negotiate for Julian Alvarez, Barcelona officials have been forced to broaden their horizons and look at other options currently playing within the Spanish top flight.
The club needs a player who can adapt immediately to the high intensity system currently employed by their German head coach Hansi Flick without requiring any time.
Barcelona make enquiry for Alexander Sorloth
According to recent reports from Spain, Barcelona have now made a formal enquiry for Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth as they look to bolster their attacking options very quickly.
The powerful striker has a physical presence similar to Lewandowski and has shown a consistent ability to score goals against the best teams in the division during his career.
Sorloth has particularly enjoyed playing against Barcelona in the past and has managed to find the back of the net seven times in just fifteen appearances against them.
While he might not have the same global superstar status as Julian Alvarez, his record in La Liga suggests he could be a very effective and cost efficient solution.
Uncertain future for Robert Lewandowski
The move for a new striker has been accelerated by the fact that Robert Lewandowski is currently weighing up his options despite having an offer to stay in Catalonia.
The legendary forward is approaching his thirty-eighth birthday and is reportedly considering a lucrative move away rather than accepting a wage cut and a secondary role in the squad.
If the veteran does decide to leave the club at the end of the campaign, Barcelona would be left with only Ferran Torres as a natural number nine option.
This situation makes the pursuit of players like Sorloth or Julian Alvarez absolutely critical for the club as they look to defend their league title in the coming years.
