Barcelona are staring at an important week, in which the club not only has to close the sale of Ferran Torres but also wrap up the Rodri deal.
While the Torres sale is only a matter of time and could be completed by tomorrow, Barcelona are having problems meeting Manchester City’s valuation for Rodri.
In the background, the club are also involved in the race for Julian Alvarez. But with Atletico Madrid showing no desire to sell, the Blaugrana may have to look elsewhere soon.
That is perhaps why several top strikers across Europe have offered themselves to Barcelona this summer, including Victor Osimhen. But it seems the club have other plans.
Not a priority target for Barcelona
Osimhen wants to leave Galatasaray. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
According to Carlos Monfort of SPORT, Osimhen has never been a priority or a genuine option for Barcelona at any stage this summer.
The 27-year-old Nigerian striker, currently at Galatasaray, is said to be one of a thousand names circulating in connection with the club, but the sentiment internally is clear.
Barcelona simply do not believe Osimhen fits the footballing context they are looking for, despite him having been offered to the club on several occasions.
Monfort was unequivocal in his assessment, refusing to attach any real probability to a move materialising. In his view, the Osimhen link is one to be dismissed entirely, with the striker not featuring in Barcelona’s genuine plans.
Alvarez remains the priority
The stance reinforces just how focused Barcelona are on Julian Alvarez as their number one target for the striker role.
Barcelona are ready to wait further for Alvarez. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The Argentine remains the man Deco and Hansi Flick want above all others, even though Atletico continue to insist he is not for sale.
Barcelona are hopeful the player himself can force the issue upon his return to pre-season, but they are aware time is running out.
Should the Alvarez pursuit ultimately fail, Barcelona have alternatives in mind, with the likes of Fisnik Asllani offering a younger, more affordable profile that better suits their model.
A traditional, expensive centre-forward like Osimhen, however, does not appear to align with their vision.