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Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has reaffirmed the club's stance of refusing to sell forward Julián Alvarez to Barcelona, potentially compelling the La Liga title holders to shift their attention toward a previously considered alternative.
Despite Alvarez openly expressing his desire to join Barcelona, Atlético have held their ground. The club publicly criticized Barça earlier this summer over the manner of their approach and filed a complaint against their rivals with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), all while maintaining that Alvarez was not available for transfer.
"The situation is perfectly clear; the club has made a decision that [CEO] Miguel Ángel has explained thoroughly," Simeone stated recently.
"From a sporting standpoint, we are extremely pleased to have a player of Julián's quality, and we will absolutely support him so that he keeps developing, keeps improving, and continues delivering the same outstanding performances he has given us over the past two years."
While Barcelona have yet to officially pull out of the race, president Joan Laporta has acknowledged that their offer won't remain on the table indefinitely and that a moment will come when they must explore other avenues.
One potential alternative may have just re-entered Barcelona's radar.
Fisnik Asllani Back on the Transfer Market
Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, 24, is among the names that have been connected with a move to Barcelona this summer, with reports even suggesting he would gladly put Barça at the top of his list should an offer materialize.
With Hansi Flick's squad zeroing in on Alvarez, a pursuit of Asllani was initially shelved, giving RB Leipzig the opening to step in and agree a $29 million (€25 million) deal for the player who registered 11 goals and 10 assists across 35 appearances last season.
However, Leipzig have since pulled out of the agreement at the last moment, citing issues arising from Asllani's medical examination. No additional details have been disclosed.
With Asllani now available again, Barcelona have a fresh chance to go after the Kosovo international, and they already have a clear idea of the fee required to secure his signature.
Barcelona have clearly been searching for an established star to replace the gap left by Robert Lewandowski's departure. In addition to Alvarez, names such as Chelsea's João Pedro and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane have been loosely mentioned, though neither represents a realistic option.
Asllani undoubtedly sits a tier below that level of player, but at this point in the transfer window, with choices becoming increasingly limited, he may prove too tempting to pass up a second time.