FC Barcelona have placed a strict deadline on their pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez, giving the transfer until the end of next week to materialize before walking away from negotiations.

The Argentine forward has been Barcelona's priority target to lead their front line, but negotiations with Atlético have remained deadlocked. Alvarez was left out of Atlético's recent pre-season fixtures against Manchester City and Olympique de Marseille, and reports indicate the forward feels aggrieved by club CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín over broken promises regarding a summer exit.

Alvarez is understood to have informed head coach Diego Simeone that he views his time with the Madrid side as finished. However, with Atlético showing no willingness to soften their stance and eager to feature the striker in their La Liga opener against Málaga CF, Barcelona are preparing to pull the plug if a breakthrough is not reached imminently.

Sporting CP's Luis Suárez Identified as Alternative

With time running out in the window, Barcelona have actively broadened their shortlist and added Sporting CP striker Luis Suárez as a top alternative to Alvarez.

The Colombian international enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 campaign in Portugal, registering 38 goals and nine assists in 53 matches across all competitions. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blaugrana are closely monitoring the prolific forward should their primary chase collapse.

Romano stated: "Barcelona consider Sporting striker Luis Suárez among options — if Julián Álvarez deal doesn’t happen. Not easy as key player for Sporting but part of Barça shortlist."

Barcelona officials remain confident of securing a high-caliber number nine before the deadline, with alternative discussions ready to advance the moment the Alvarez deadline expires.