Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski will remain in charge of Barça's attack next season. The blaugrana club had been searching for a promising center forward for months, but its plans have changed radically. Deco's number one target has taken a different path, and that brings relief to those already in the squad.
Barça hasn't hidden that it needs to strengthen its attack with the near future in mind. Lewandowski will turn 37 in August, and although his performance is still remarkable, time keeps moving forward relentlessly. Ferran has stepped up, but the sporting management has always considered that a reference "9" is missing.
For that reason, in recent weeks, contacts accelerated with a forward who has shined in Europe. Flick, Deco, and part of the locker room, who viewed his arrival favorably, were all convinced by his profile. Everything pointed to a market battle between major clubs, but the outcome is now official.
Unexpected twist from the Premier
The player targeted by Barça already has a new destination, and it won't be Camp Nou, but the Premier League. Despite the blaugrana's persistence, he has chosen a more solid financial offer and a more immediate sporting project. The selling club has accepted the proposal and the deal is completely closed.
Arsenal is the one landing the in-demand forward, having made a strong move to reinforce its attacking line. The Londoners had been in contact with the player's camp for weeks and were quicker than anyone else. The transfer has been closed for an amount close to €73 million.
The operation has surprised several of Europe's giants, but Barça already considers him lost. Ferran and Lewandowski have received the news calmly, aware that they'll remain the offensive references. Arsenal's new signing was the main culé target... but there won't be a battle for the "9".
The "9" that never arrived
The player in question is Viktor Gyökeres, Swedish striker from Sporting de Lisboa who has impressed with his goal-scoring numbers. This past season, he scored 54 goals (54) across all competitions and has been followed by half of Europe. However, his desire was to return to the Premier after his unsuccessful stint at Brighton.
In recent weeks, Gyökeres pushed to leave and didn't show up for the start of preseason with Sporting. He publicly stated that he wanted to play in England and was waiting for a formal offer before making decisions. Arsenal understood the message, raised its offer... and took the prize.
Meanwhile, in Barcelona, it's assumed that the search for Lewandowski's heir will have to start over. Deco had made a strong bet on him, but he knows he can't mortgage the future on a single card. A new front opens and the club is already working on alternatives that could fit next summer.
The future of the "9" left for 2026
With this signing ruled out, everything indicates that Barça won't add a center forward in this window. The decision would be to postpone the major investment until the summer of 2026, when there'll be more room and real options. Meanwhile, Flick will trust Ferran, Lewandowski's experience, and internal resources.
Deco, meanwhile, will focus on closing the other pending deals and advancing long-term planning. The center forward position will remain highlighted in red on the club's roadmap for next year. The idea is not to improvise and to go for someone truly prepared to lead the attack.
Throughout the season, the squad's performance will be evaluated and new emerging profiles will be considered. If any name bursts onto the scene, Barça won't hesitate to make a move when the time comes. For now, the desired "9" already has a new club... and won't play in LaLiga.