Victor Osimhen emerges as a priority option as Barcelona seek a new striker before the transfer deadline

Barcelona have revived their interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen as the Spanish giants continue their search for a new centre-forward, with their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez proving increasingly difficult.

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Reports from Todomercatoweb and other transfer sources indicate that Barcelona now view Osimhen as a more attainable alternative to Alvarez, with sporting director Deco reportedly keeping the Nigerian firmly in the club’s plans. (Punch Newspapers)

The renewed Barcelona Osimhen interest comes at a particularly striking moment for the 27-year-old, who has opened the 2026/27 Turkish Super Lig season in explosive fashion.

Osimhen has scored four goals in Galatasaray’s opening two league matches. He struck twice in the 2-2 draw with newly promoted Corum FK before scoring another brace in Galatasaray’s 4-0 victory over Erzurumspor on August 21. Galatasaray’s official match report confirmed his two goals in the emphatic win. (Galatasaray)

His latest scoring run has strengthened the impression that Osimhen remains one of Europe’s most dangerous penalty-box forwards.

The Nigerian’s form also comes after a highly productive previous campaign in Turkey, during which he established himself as a central figure in Galatasaray’s domestic success.

Barcelona’s interest, however, is closely tied to the club’s increasingly complicated pursuit of Alvarez.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed on Wednesday that the club remains interested in the Argentine, saying Barcelona’s offer remains on the table.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have continued to resist selling their 26-year-old forward, despite the player’s reported preference for a move to Camp Nou. (Reuters)

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has reportedly taken a particularly firm position, with the Madrid club said to have rejected offers worth as much as €200 million for Alvarez. (Reuters)

That impasse has encouraged Barcelona to examine alternative options.

Osimhen is considered more financially attainable than Alvarez, although a move would still require significant investment. The Nigerian became Galatasaray’s permanent player last year after the Turkish champions agreed a club-record €75 million deal with Napoli.

His importance to Galatasaray has only grown since then.

The striker has continued to attract attention from several major European clubs, with Arsenal also reported to be interested.

Recent reports suggest that Arsenal have held discussions around a potential move, although Osimhen’s substantial wages and Galatasaray’s reluctance to sell remain significant obstacles. (The Sun)

Galatasaray have repeatedly indicated that they do not want to lose their leading striker.

That stance could make Barcelona’s renewed pursuit difficult, particularly with little time remaining before the transfer window closes.

The Catalan club’s need for another forward has also become more pressing following changes to its attacking options.

Barcelona have been searching for a new No. 9, with Alvarez remaining the preferred target and other alternatives being considered as the deadline approaches. (Diario AS)

Osimhen’s case is strengthened by his consistency.

Against Erzurumspor, he scored in the 45th and 80th minutes as Galatasaray secured their first league victory of the season.

The performance followed his two-goal rescue act against Corum FK in the opening round. (Galatasaray)

Those performances have ensured that the Nigerian remains at the centre of the transfer conversation even as Barcelona continue to pursue Alvarez.

There is also an element of timing to the situation. Barcelona have already explored Osimhen as an alternative, and reports earlier in August suggested that the club had temporarily moved away from the Nigerian after deciding to prioritise Alvarez. (Pulse Sports Nigeria)

The latest developments suggest that calculation may have changed.

For Osimhen, the interest offers another indication of his enduring status among Europe’s elite strikers.

His combination of pace, physical strength and ruthless finishing has continued to make him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking an established goalscorer.

For Barcelona, the question is whether the club will persist with Alvarez until the final stages of the window or move decisively for a proven alternative.

With Alvarez’s future still clouded by Atletico’s resistance, Osimhen’s extraordinary start to the season could hardly have come at a more opportune moment.

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Whether that form ultimately leads the Nigerian to Barcelona remains uncertain, but the latest reports have placed his name firmly back in one of Europe’s most closely watched transfer sagas.