The FC Barcelona transfer market continues to revolve around the centre-forward position.
With the squad still looking for an attacker capable of making a difference, Julian Alvarez remains the sporting department’s priority target, although Atletico Madrid’s position has left the operation in an extremely difficult situation.
At the same time, names that could form part of a potential Plan B are beginning to emerge.
Ayoze Perez on the agenda?
One of them, according to journalist David Sánchez on Radio MARCA (h/t SPORT), happens to be Ayoze Perez of Villarreal.
As per the report, the 33-year-old Canary Islander is a player who is particularly well regarded within the Barcelona camp and who also has the approval of Hansi Flick.
Ayoze Perez an option for Barcelona? (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
If the Julian Alvarez operation ultimately fails, Barça would have to activate different alternatives to strengthen the position. Perez’s name therefore enters that pool of possibilities.
The 33-year-old forward is under contract with Villarreal until 2028 and, according to the journalist, has a release clause of around €30 million, although that figure could be negotiated.
Furthermore, the report states that the player would be willing to push for a move to the Spotify Camp Nou if Barcelona decided to approach Villarreal.
Not a priority for now
Despite the reported interest in the veteran, Perez does not currently appear to be among Barça’s priorities for the attack.
The La Liga champions are looking for a distinctive profile, someone capable of raising the team’s level and becoming an offensive reference point.
Priority remains unchanged. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
In that regard, Alvarez remains the first choice. Barcelona continue to focus on the Argentine forward and will exhaust all possibilities while there is still even a minimal chance of convincing Atletico Madrid.
Perez’s option therefore appears unlikely for now. Barcelona are not currently focusing their efforts on the Villarreal forward, with its priority remaining the signing of a top-level striker.
The roadmap still revolves around Alvarez. However, the difficulty of the operation is obvious.
Atletico Madrid have repeatedly made their intention not to facilitate the Argentine’s departure clear and have so far rejected any scenario involving a sale to Barcelona.