Spanish champions Barcelona are heading into the new La Liga season without an established senior striker. The club's first fixture is an away game against Elche on Sunday, 23 August.
This situation follows the departure of Robert Lewandowski, 37, to Chicago Fire after his contract expired, and Ferran Torres's move to Paris St-Germain for approximately 50m euros (£42.7m). Torres scored 21 goals in 49 appearances last season and was often used as an alternative to Lewandowski.
Manager Hansi Flick acknowledged the need to address the situation, stating, "We know we have to do something." However, Flick has options within the current squad, including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez, who can operate as a false nine or in advanced areas. Gordon and Adeyemi also provide pace and direct running.
Barcelona's preferred solution is to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, but Atletico's chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has stated the club will not sell him. Other strikers linked to Barcelona include Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, and Sporting's Luis Suarez.