The key points from Joan Laporta’s crucial meeting with Barcelona’s sports committee

Barcelona are heading into the final week of the transfer window with a clear message emerging from the club’s sporting leadership: Julian Alvarez remains the target, and there is little interest in settling for anyone else.

That is perhaps the biggest takeaway from the latest meeting involving Joan Laporta, Deco, Hansi Flick, Bojan and Alejandro Echevarría at the Ciutat Esportiva, reports Mundo Deportivo.

With time running out, Barcelona are assessing how to complete their remaining business, but the search for a new No. 9 has become increasingly straightforward.

The club want Alvarez, and if the move cannot be completed, Barcelona are prepared to wait.

Barcelona willing to wait for Alvarez

Notably, Alvarez is not being treated as one option among many.

Rather, the Argentine forward is the specific striker requested by both Flick and Deco, explaining why Barcelona remain committed to exploring every possible avenue despite Atletico Madrid’s firm stance.

Barcelona will either sign Julian Alvarez or no one. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Barcelona have already submitted a €100 million bid, made at the end of June, but Atletico have refused to entertain a sale.

That resistance has forced the Catalan club to consider alternatives. Yet, the conclusion reached within Barcelona is that a Plan B would not necessarily represent the right solution.

If Alvarez does not arrive before the deadline, the club may choose to revisit the operation in January instead of rushing into another signing.

Transfer meeting also focused on exits

Apart from Alvarez, Barcelona are also working on several departures, with Marc Casado and Hector Font having accepted that they will leave the club.

Both players have offers on the table and are currently considering their respective destinations.

Those exits could help clarify Barcelona’s plans for the rest of the squad during the final days of the transfer market, but not every situation is being driven by the club.

Alejandro Balde’s future is in doubt. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

On that note, Alejandro Balde remains in control of his own future.

Balde holds the key to next defensive move

Balde’s omission from the squad against Elche has inevitably placed his future under the spotlight. Yet Barcelona are not planning to force the left-back out.

The player currently wants to stay and fight for his place. Hence, Barcelona will only consider his departure if Balde decides he wants to leave and an acceptable offer is presented.

That decision could have a direct impact on the club’s defensive plans.

As reported before, Barcelona have placed their pursuit of a left-sided centre-back on hold while waiting to see what Balde decides.

If he leaves, the club could then consider a move for Castello Lukeva of RB Leipzig, a defender admired by Flick.