BARCELONA — FC Barcelona's board has set a financial ceiling for its pursuit of a new central striker and identified Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as its primary target, according to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad. The club is following a measured process intended to reinforce its attacking line without committing to unplanned market operations.

The hierarchy has stated it will not rush decisions on the striker position and is proceeding through a defined strategic process, according to Ben Ayad. Barcelona is prioritizing long-term structural stability over short-term transfer activity.

The board has defined a maximum amount it is prepared to allocate to the striker signing, according to Ben Ayad. By capping intended expenditure, the club aims to avoid bidding wars and keep prospective transfer market activity within established budgetary parameters.

Barcelona is also enforcing total discretion around its transfer shortlists, according to Ben Ayad. The policy is intended to prevent public statements about specific targets from harming negotiations with other clubs and players.

Within that framework, Alvarez remains the primary transfer target for the striker position, according to Ben Ayad. The hierarchy views the Atletico Madrid forward as the profile it prefers to spearhead the club's future attack.

Securing the player will depend on more than financial terms, according to Ben Ayad. The club acknowledges that completing a move would require Alvarez to signal his desire for the transfer and help facilitate negotiations between the two clubs, rather than the club relying solely on financial terms to secure the signing.