Barcelona is ramping up efforts to find a striker to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski this summer, with sources indicating interest in Julián Álvarez and Dusan Vlahovic.
Lewandowski, who is 37, will see his contract expire in June, and while his future remains uncertain, Barcelona is proactively planning for life after the Poland international.
According to club insiders, president Joan Laporta is “still dreaming” of securing a deal for Atlético Madrid‘s Álvarez, whom he considers the perfect addition. However, sporting director Deco is also exploring more budget-friendly alternatives.
Securing Álvarez could prove challenging, as Atlético is anticipated to demand more than €100 million ($118 million) for the forward, with other major European clubs potentially interested.
Recently, ESPN reported that Premier League leaders Arsenal are also considering a move for the Argentinian international.
In light of this, Deco is evaluating alternative strikers who could effectively replace Lewandowski, including Juventus forward Vlahovic.
The Serbian striker had caught Barcelona’s attention even before his 2022 transfer to Juventus from Fiorentina, and his contract expiring in June makes him an especially appealing target this summer.
– Lamine Yamal’s stunning performance headlines Barcelona’s victory against Real Oviedo
– Transfer rumors: PSG’s goodwill gesture towards Barcelona in Fernández deal
– Barcelona to conduct elections for their next president on March 15
Currently recovering from a groin injury, Vlahovic, 25, had scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 games across all competitions before his injury.
Similarly, Álvarez has been a long-term target for Barcelona, with interest dating back to before his move to Manchester City, when scouts in South America recommended him.
Despite the financial implications of a potential transfer, club officials noted that there is “still a long way to go” in the pursuit of Álvarez and that “many developments could arise, but we are monitoring the situation closely.”
Álvarez, boasting 11 goals in 29 matches this season, has a contract with Atlético running until 2030, complemented by a hefty release clause of €500 million.