Barcelona have so far simply not taken no for an answer in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, but it may not be long before they have to accept defeat.
The club have been trying to convince Atletico Madrid to sell Alvarez since the start of the summer, but Los Colchoneros have simply not budged so far.
Barça are now approaching a decisive point in their pursuit of the Argentine striker, with the time to look at alternatives not far off.
According to Fabrizio Romano (h/t FCB World), the current week remains dedicated to Alvarez. Barcelona intend to use the coming days to make one last concrete effort.
Barcelona could turn to alternatives
The key development is that Barça are not prepared to wait indefinitely.
Romano reports that if nothing changes in the Alvarez operation this week, the sporting department will begin looking at alternative options for the No. 9 position from next week.
Still the priority target. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Until now, Hansi Flick and Deco have been determined to prioritise Alvarez rather than quickly moving towards a Plan B.
However, with the transfer window nearing its conclusion, Barça do not have the luxury of time on their side to put all their eggs in one basket.
Ferran Torres’ situation accelerates the need for a new number nine
If Barça had managed to keep Ferran Torres in the squad, it would have allowed them to wait a little longer for Alvarez.
However, the 26-year-old Spaniard is on the verge of securing a move to PSG, and it is expected to be completed either today or tomorrow.
Ferran has not reappeared for Barcelona training along with the other World Cup winners, with all parties deciding that it was best for him not to report.
Time to activate Plan B? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
This further puts the Catalan club in a pickle as they try to sign a new striker, whether or not Alvarez is possible.
Flick may finally need a Plan B
Barça’s preference for Alvarez is understandable. Flick sees the Argentine as the ideal striker for his project, and pursuing a different expensive forward simply for the sake of making a signing would make little sense.
However, Barcelona also cannot reach the final days of the market without knowing what alternatives are realistically available.
Beginning that process next week would not necessarily mean completely abandoning Alvarez. It would simply represent sensible preparation for the possibility that Atletico never open the door.
For now, Barcelona are giving their dream operation one final opportunity to happen. If Atletico continue to be stubborn, the Catalans will have to accept defeat and move on to other targets.