Barcelona refuse to enter transfer auction for priority striker target

Barcelona will not pay too much for Alvarez. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Even if those clubs push aggressively for the Argentine, Barcelona have made it clear internally that they will not move beyond their financial limits.

The idea is not to complete another historic operation simply for the sake of signing a superstar name.

Instead, the objective is to invest in a player capable of improving the attack without placing more pressure on the club’s finances.

Barcelona do need a forward

It is known that Barcelona urgently need a reliable striker, particularly with Lewandowski increasingly expected to move on.

The veteran Polish forward has several opportunities on the table heading into the summer, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the most likely destination.

Alvarez is also wanted by Premier League clubs. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

If he moves on, Ferran Torres would likely become the only solution. While the Spaniard has performed well at times as a striker, his natural game still comes from wider positions, particularly from the right side.

That explains why Barcelona have explored the market so aggressively for a more complete attacking profile.

However, with the Alvarez operation now looking unrealistic financially, Barcelona may be forced to shift attention elsewhere.

In that sense, one alternative being discussed is Joao Pedro, although even that move would require significant investment.