Barcelona make Lautaro Martinez their priority amid Álvarez dead end; Jesus a cut-price alternative

Barcelona have turned their attention to Lautaro Martinez and Gabriel Jesus as the Spanish champions look to strengthen at centre-forward.

Barca are on the hunt for forward options after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer.

Hansi Flick's side have been frustrated in a pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid insistent that the Argentine is not for sale. Atletico have said even bids of €200m (£171m) will be rejected, despite Alvarez's admission that he wants to leave.

As a result, Barcelona have now made Lautaro Martinez their top target. Journalist Gerard Romero has reported that the Inter Milan captain is now the 'number one priority'.

"It will be a very difficult deal to pull off, but Lautaro is Barça’s number-one priority, and the club will do everything possible in the final days of the transfer window," he told said in the JijantesFC live stream.

"Lautaro has opened the door to a move to Barcelona."

However, Sky Italy are reporting that Inter have received no offer from Barcelona as things stand, and consider the 28-year-old untouchable.

Martinez has scored 175 goals in 376 games for Inter and was Serie A's top scorer for a second time last season, as the Nerazzurri won the Scudetto.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus emerges as £18m market opportunity for Barcelona amid Alvarez frustration

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Gabriel Jesus has emerged as an option. Arsenal are open to offers for the 29-year-old, whose deal in North London expires next summer.

Napoli have also expressed interest in the Brazilian, who has an asking price of around £18m. Barcelona sporting director Deco believes Jesus could represent a cost-effective market opportunity to add to Barca's depleted frontline.