Atletico Madrid have just three weeks to solve a mounting striker crisis before their La Liga campaign begins on 19 August. Diego Simeone’s squad risks losing three senior forwards simultaneously, leaving a reported “93-goal hole” from the past two seasons that threatens to derail their domestic and European ambitions before the first competitive ball is kicked.
The Departing Firepower
Antoine Griezmann has already completed his move to Orlando City, removing the club’s creative hub from last season’s attacking unit. Now Julian Alvarez has made his desire to leave unambiguous, placing the club under pressure to find a replacement while simultaneously negotiating his departure. Sources indicate the Argentine may not be heading to Barcelona or Real Madrid, but his exit appears increasingly certain.
Compounding the issue, Alexander Sorloth is unlikely to remain at the Metropolitano. The Norwegian faces interest from Italian clubs and Turkish side Besiktas, with speculation suggesting he could be used as leverage to secure Nico Gonzalez’s permanent transfer from Juventus. The potential loss of both Alvarez and Sorloth, alongside Griezmann’s confirmed departure, strips Atletico of the attacking core that contributed 93 goals across the previous two campaigns.
Internal Options Fall Short
Simeone has experimented with Ademola Lookman as a secondary striker during pre-season, a role the Nigerian forward occasionally filled toward the end of last term. While Lookman offers decisiveness in tight spaces, analysts question whether he can transition from supporting winger to the dominant central finisher that Simeone’s system historically demands.
Youth alternatives appear insufficient for immediate top-flight demands. Arnau Ortiz, who scored 23 league goals for Fernando Torres’ Atletico Madrileño in the third tier last season, and Miguel Cubo, who has featured at centre-forward in friendly matches, face a significant gap to bridge. Simeone’s record of promoting academy forwards directly into La Liga starting roles in August remains limited.
Transfer Market Constraints
The club has identified potential replacements, though each carries considerable risk. Dusan Vlahovic, available after leaving Juventus, represents a low-cost option that fits financial fair play constraints. The 26-year-old Serbian previously interested Atletico during his prolific Fiorentina spell, though his output declined during his Turin tenure.
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP has also been mentioned as a possible arrival, potentially facilitating Alvarez’s sale. The Swedish forward has demonstrated prolific scoring in Portugal, yet doubts persist regarding his temperament under pressure at the highest level—a concern amplified by Atletico’s previous struggles with forwards who lost confidence during crucial moments.
Complicating negotiations further, the club’s internal dynamics appear fragmented. Manager Simeone has spent portions of the summer in New York, while CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and President Enrique Cerezo have made public statements that generate headlines without clarifying strategy. Sporting director Mateu Alemany reportedly operates without full authority to resolve the situation decisively.
With outgoing deals moving slowly and La Liga’s salary cap restricting wage expenditure, Atletico face a narrowing window to register new players. Every week without resolution on Alvarez’s future reduces the time available to identify, negotiate with, and sign a replacement capable of leading the line when the season opens.