Barcelona are considering Victor Osimhen as a potential late addition to their forward line, with Inter Milan refusing to entertain offers for captain Lautaro Martinez and Atletico de Madrid continuing to block a move for Julian Alvarez.
The Nigeria international, who currently plays for Galatasaray, has become one of the alternatives being examined by Barcelona sporting director Deco as the club works through several possibilities before the transfer window closes.
Osimhen was among the names discussed by Barcelona throughout the summer as a possible replacement option for Alvarez. His profile has gained greater importance in recent days because Barcelona have been unable to make progress with their preferred move for the Argentina international.
Alvarez remains keen on joining the Catalan club, but Atletico de Madrid are maintaining their refusal to allow him to leave. That stance has made an agreement increasingly difficult to reach, prompting Barcelona to assess other high-profile attacking options.
Lautaro Martinez had also emerged as a leading alternative. However, Inter Milan have made it clear that they do not intend to sanction the departure of their captain during the current transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, the Italian club are determined to retain Martinez for the new season and have effectively closed the door on a sale. That position leaves Barcelona facing a particularly challenging task if they decide to pursue the Argentina forward.
With both the Alvarez and Martinez situations proving difficult, Osimhen is now viewed as a more realistic possibility to explore. The Nigerian striker has attracted strong interest from Deco, who has been monitoring his situation while attempting to identify a solution for the centre-forward position.
Barcelona’s sporting department is continuing to work on more than one scenario as the transfer window enters its final stages. Osimhen is not, however, without other admirers, with Arsenal also reported to be interested in the Galatasaray forward.
The late movement reflects Barcelona’s efforts to strengthen their central attacking position despite resistance from the clubs of their other targets. The club must now weigh whether to continue working on a deal for Alvarez, test Inter’s resolve over Martinez or advance their interest in Osimhen.
For the moment, Inter’s position on Martinez appears unequivocal, while Atletico’s stance has complicated Barcelona’s preferred route. That leaves Osimhen as a prominent option under consideration by Deco as the closing days of the transfer market approach.
